Radio Citizen presenter Sally Mbeyu, popularly known as Queen Sally, has recounted how a man who had gone into a forest intending to take his life changed his mind after listening to her gospel programme.
The presenter, who hosts #Pambazuka, recalled receiving a message from a distressed listener who had lost millions of shillings after a business deal went wrong. The men he had partnered with had disappeared with his money, leaving him devastated.
The man had gone into a forest to end his life but decided to listen to the radio before carrying out his plan. He tuned in to Queen Sally’s programme and received words of encouragement and prayer that helped him reconsider.
According to the presenter, the listener eventually found peace, chose to forgive those who had taken his money and decided to start life afresh.
“I couldn’t help but cry. It was so touching,” she recalled, describing the experience as one of the most emotional moments of her broadcasting career.
In an interview, Queen Sally opened up about her childhood, education, journey into broadcasting, marriage and the Christian faith that has shaped her career.
Queen Sally’s Childhood and Education
Queen Sally was born in Taita Taveta County, where her father worked as a government agricultural officer while her mother was a teacher.
She is the first daughter in her family and said the position helped her develop responsibility and maturity early on.
She attended St John’s Girls Secondary School in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, close to her family home.
During her school years, she developed a close relationship with her Biology teacher, Mr Mwavishi, and Mathematics teacher, Mr Githinji.
Although she initially dreamed of becoming a nurse, she did not attain the required Chemistry grade to pursue the course directly. She considered taking a bridging course but was reluctant to travel to Kisumu.
Queen Sally joined the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) in Nairobi, where she began preparing for a career in broadcasting.
How Queen Sally Joined Radio Citizen
After completing her studies, she interned at Radio Citizen under Royal Media Services (RMS). However, she spent more than two years at home without employment before getting another opportunity.
She was later recommended for a position at Destiny FM, a Christian radio station being established in Meru. She also worked as a television news anchor and presenter when Destiny TV was introduced.
She subsequently joined GGV FM, another Christian radio station in Meru, where she worked for more than five years.
She credits her time at the station, particularly mentorship from Bishop Patrick Kariuki, with helping her develop her on-air ministry.
Her return to Royal Media Services came after a cousin sent her an advertisement for a radio presenter position. She applied, attended an interview, and was initially told another candidate had been selected.
However, she later received a call informing her that she had been given the job.
She started presenting programmes on Fridays and Sundays before eventually becoming the voice of #Pambazuka.
Queen Sally’s Demanding 4 am Radio Routine
Queen Sally’s working day begins at 2:30 am to allow her enough time to prepare before being picked up for work at 3am.
She switches on the microphone at exactly 4 am when #Pambazuka goes on air.
She admitted that the routine is demanding and sometimes leaves her with insufficient sleep. However, her passion for broadcasting and ministry keeps her going.
“The grace of God sustains me. It’s not easy; you don’t get to have enough sleep. Sometimes you have to really push yourself to get out of bed, but I love what I do,” she said.
She added that knowing someone is waiting for encouragement, prayer, or a message of hope gives her the strength to continue.
Queen Sally’s Christian Faith and Family Life
Queen Sally said she grew up in a Christian family where church and ministry were part of everyday life.
She served in Sunday School, teenage and youth activities before joining the Praise and Worship team as an adult. She also served as a youth patron.
She credits her parents as her biggest role models, noting their commitment to faith, family and ministry. The couple has been married for 40 years.
Away from the studio, Queen Sally is married to a man from Tigania in Meru County. The two met in church, and she described her husband as supportive of her broadcasting career.
She said balancing marriage with early-morning radio requires understanding and good communication, adding that they make the most of the time they have together.
Outside work, she describes herself as an indoor person who enjoys spending time with family, cooking, eating good food, listening to music and watching movies.
Despite being affectionately called Queen Sally, Minister on Air, Pastor Sally and even Bishop by some listeners, she said she does not consider herself a celebrity.
She appreciates the affection but remains conscious of the responsibility that comes with being a familiar voice to many people.
For young people hoping to pursue careers in media or ministry, she advises them to understand their purpose rather than chase fame and glamour.
“Don’t go for the fame or glamour; it might frustrate you,” she advised.
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