A video from Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50-year broadcasting celebration has set tongues wagging online, with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli caught on camera flashing the ‘Tutam’ hand sign at the glittering Nairobi event.
The Machoka@50 Grand Concert took place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at Ulinzi Sports Complex, bringing together politicians, journalists and entertainment heavyweights to honour one of Kenya’s most recognisable radio voices.
Machoka began his broadcasting career at KBC in 1976 and made his name through the beloved Roga Roga show on Radio Citizen.
Atwoli’s ‘tutam’ moment
Footage circulating online shows Atwoli in high spirits during the rhumba performances, raising the two-fingered ‘Tutam’ gesture that has become synonymous with supporters of President William Ruto’s second-term bid. The moment gained extra significance given what had unfolded earlier that same evening.
Shortly before Atwoli’s gesture, Machoka’s niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, had taken to the stage during family introductions and flashed the ‘Wantam’ sign, the one-term slogan championed by opposition voices calling for Ruto to serve a single term.
Machoka swiftly ordered security to remove Orwoba off the stage, making for one of the more dramatic moments of the night. Orwoba was expelled from UDA in 2025 and has since aligned herself with opposition circles.
Sifuna receives a hero’s welcome
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was another prominent name on the guest list, and his arrival at the venue was anything but understated.
The crowd erupted into chants of “Sifuna! Sifuna!” as he walked in and was ushered to a seat near the front.
He later shared a warm embrace with Machoka, who cut a dashing figure in a striking crimson-red jacket.
Sifuna, who recently launched his Linda Mwananchi Movement ahead of the 2027 General Election, has been making waves politically.
The sight of the two men at the same celebration, despite their political differences, drew considerable attention.
Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka was also among the dignitaries seated in the venue.
A star-studded musical celebration
The concert lived up to its billing on the entertainment front. Congolese rhumba legends Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel headlined the performances, joined by Cameroonian star Sam Fan Thomas and Kenyan outfits Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms.
Veteran broadcaster Jeff Koinange and comedian Churchill handled the master of ceremonies duties for the night.
The evening was a fitting tribute to five decades of broadcasting that have made Machoka a household name across Kenya.
