Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka ordered his niece, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, off the stage after she introduced Wantam chants during his 50th anniversary celebration in Nairobi.
The incident happened on Saturday, October 10, at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where Machoka was celebrating 50 years in broadcasting.
In a video circulating on social media, Orwoba is seen making gestures associated with the Wantam slogan before Machoka interrupts her and calls on security officers to remove her.
“Please, security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You cannot screw up my job,” Machoka said.
He later warned Orwoba that she would have to respect his position when appearing alongside him.
“Next time you are with your uncle, utajua hapa huna neno, utatii,” he added.
Security officers subsequently escorted Orwoba from the stage as guests watched the unexpected confrontation.
Orwoba responded to the incident on Sunday, October 11, appearing to reaffirm her support for the political slogan.
“Good Morning! Lazima nikumbushe Uncle mambo ni WANTAM!” she wrote in a post shared on social media.
The exchange attracted attention because it happened during an event organised to celebrate Machoka’s contribution to Kenya’s media industry rather than a political gathering.
Wantam, derived from the phrase “one term”, is a slogan used by critics of President William Ruto who oppose his re-election in 2027.
The slogan has featured at public gatherings as political activity intensifies ahead of the next General Election.
Orwoba was nominated to the Senate through the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in 2022. However, her relationship with the party deteriorated, culminating in her expulsion in 2025.
The confrontation briefly shifted attention from the celebrations, which brought together musicians, politicians and other public figures to honour Machoka’s five decades in broadcasting.
The event, dubbed the Machoka@50 Grand Concert, featured Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide, singer Mbilia Bel and Cameroonian musician Sam Fan Thomas, among other performers.
Machoka is widely known for his long broadcasting career and his role in popularising Congolese rhumba music through his Roga Roga programme.
The golden jubilee marked a major milestone for the veteran presenter, whose career has made him a familiar voice to generations of Kenyan radio listeners.