Fred Obachi Machoka to Retire After 50 Years on Air

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has announced that legendary broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka will retire from broadcasting after five decades on air.

In an update on Monday, September 21, Sonko said Machoka paid him a courtesy call at his office and personally invited him to a retirement celebration scheduled for October 10, 2026, at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

"My good friend of many years, legendary broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka, paid me a courtesy call at my office and personally invited me to his retirement celebration, which will be held on 10th October 2026 at Ulinzi Sports Complex," he wrote.

Reflecting on Machoka's contribution to Kenyan broadcasting, Sonko said his retirement would mark the end of an era while noting that his influence would remain.

"From the Voice of Kenya, now KBC, to Royal Media Services, Fred has spent five remarkable decades informing, entertaining and bringing joy to millions of Kenyans. 

"We will miss the voice. We will miss the humour. We will miss the Rhumba. But we will never forget the legend behind the microphone," he added.

According to Sonko, the October 10 celebration is expected to feature performances by renowned African musicians, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, Mbilia Bel and Sam Fan Thomas.

Sonko congratulated Machoka for completing 50 years in broadcasting, describing his career as one that had served several generations of Kenyans.

"Congratulations in advance, my brother Fred, on an extraordinary 50-year journey in broadcasting. You have served generations with passion, dedication and distinction. You may be retiring from the microphone, but your legacy will live on for generations," he concluded.

This comes weeks after Citizen TV reporter John Wanyama resigned from the Royal Media Services (RMS) to seek the Malava Parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election. 

Wanyama submitted his resignation notice on July 3 and gave RMS a one-month notice, indicating that his last working day was on August 4, 2026.

In the resignation letter, Wanyama said he was exiting the media to pursue public service by vying for the Malava MP seat. 

"I am writing to formally submit one month notice of resignation from my position as a Reporter at Royal Media Services. My last working day will be 4th August, 2026.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position to pursue a new path in public service by vying for the position of Member of Parliament for Malava Constituency," the letter read in part. 

Wanyama, who served as a reporter in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, expressed gratitude to RMS for giving him an opportunity to grow as a journalist. 

He also thanked his colleagues and the company's management for the support and guidance he received during his tenure.

"I sincerely appreciate the support, guidance, and camaraderie I have received from my colleagues and the management team throughout my tenure.

"I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chairman and Vice Chair, Mr. and Mrs. S.K. Macharia, and to the Managing Director, Wachira Waruru, for their visionary leadership and mentorship," Wanyama stated.