Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli was among the prominent guests who attended veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50-year media anniversary celebration at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Atwoli made his appearance dressed in a maroon and white shirt, standing out as he joined other guests gathered to celebrate Machoka’s five decades in the broadcasting industry.
The trade unionist later greeted Machoka, who was marking the milestone in his long career, before the two shared a warm embrace.
The exchange formed part of the personal interactions between the veteran broadcaster and guests who turned up to celebrate his contribution to the media industry.
Machoka, popularly known as Uncle Fred, has built a longstanding reputation in Kenyan broadcasting, particularly through his work in radio and television and his promotion of African rhumba music.
His Roga Roga programme has remained closely associated with his public profile and his influence on the genre’s popularity among Kenyan audiences.
The Machoka @50 Grand Concert brought together personalities from different sectors, alongside music lovers who attended the celebration.
The occasion combined recognition of Machoka’s professional journey with performances by established Kenyan and international rhumba artistes.
The event also featured performances by Them Mushrooms, one of the Kenyan groups associated with the celebration. The band’s tribute included the phrase “Wakimzawadi Uncle Fred Obachi Machokaa”, while the event’s celebratory mood was captured in the refrain “Rhumba Bila Jasho, humu humu tuuuu”.
Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide headlined the advertised musical line-up, which also included Mbilia Bel, Sam Fan Thomas, Alicious Theluji and Kenyan group Les Wanyika. The gathering was designed to celebrate not only Machoka’s years on air but also his longstanding connection with rhumba music and its audiences.
Edwin Sifuna receives cheers at the celebration
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was another notable guest whose arrival attracted the attention of attendees.
Dressed in a white shirt, Sifuna appeared happy as he was ushered to a seat near the front of the venue. He later greeted Machoka, who was dressed in red, and shared a hug with the veteran broadcaster.
The senator’s reception continued even after he had settled into his seat, with guests cheering him from around the venue. As the applause persisted, Sifuna stood up and waved back at the attendees, acknowledging their enthusiastic response.
