Former Citizen TV journalist Trevor Ombija left a crowd moved during a public address on September 11, 2026, after opening up about the hardships he endured before finding success in the media industry.
Footage of the speech, shared on TikTok by journalist Pascal Sungu, shows Ombija speaking with remarkable energy at an event where he moved many with his background story.
Trevor Ombija’s journey from the streets to the screen
During the address, Ombija recalled working as a matatu conductor and a toilet cleaner, two roles that stand in sharp contrast to the television career that made his face familiar to Kenyans across the country.
He spoke about walking streets he once only dreamed of and described the significance of having come so far from where he started.
He also used the platform to urge Kenyans not to vote for corrupt leaders, weaving a political message into what was otherwise a deeply personal and motivational address.
“My mothers and fathers, ask yourselves, what are you showing your children when you are going to vote? When you praise a thief, your child will become one and get lost. If you choose a thief, you must be robbed. Those are things I say, and they claim I insulted people. Have I mentioned anyone’s name? I schooled here, and when I was working as a manamba (conductor), I would go from Kabuoch to Sondu. Then I went to Nairobi; I became a cleaner at a warehouse. I worked at British Tobacco in the Industrial Area. That place had two toilets. By the time I finished cleaning, I was smelling that no one wanted to sit next to me during meals,” he said.
Ombija quoted Bible verses as he advised parents to encourage their children not to give up, using him as an example of resilience.
The speech struck a chord particularly among older audiences and young people, with many viewers connecting with his story of perseverance and faith.
Watch the speech that has Kenyans talking:
@pascalsungujournalist♬ original sound – PASCAL SUNGU-JOURNALIST
Kenyans react to Ombija’s words
The clip quickly spread across social media, drawing a wide range of reactions from users who were alternately moved, sceptical, and entertained.
@Ayatta said:
“Noma 🙌 Hii speech pekee amenasa kura ya wamama wote, shosho wote, wazee wote na vijana imewagusa wote! Very powerful!”
@XcxXcx said:
“Wow, I didn’t know Ombija is such a preacher. Keep it up, bro. When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.”
@Ritchie Kama said:
“Wow! Mko sure huyu ni Ombija moja namjua? 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
@marcelo254 said:
“Smart boy.. hawa wanawake ukitaja tu Bible, umewaweka box. Shida itakuwa chama. Kama ni ODM, Trevor will find out soon how undemocratic ODM is. The ticket will be sold to the highest bidder.”
@Hukuafrika said:
“Stop preaching to the people; tell them what you will do if elected.”
@Vikie said:
“Just be a preacher. Wacha politics.”
