Gloria Orwoba Breaks Silence After Being Thrown Out of Fred Machoka’s Event Over ‘Wantam’ Chant

Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has spoken out after being ordered off the stage by her uncle, veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka, during his 50th anniversary celebration in Nairobi.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the Machoka@50 Grand Concert held at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The event celebrated Machoka’s five decades in broadcasting and attracted prominent figures from politics, entertainment and the media industry.

Trouble started when Orwoba was given an opportunity to address the audience but instead began chanting “Wantam,” a political slogan associated with calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.

She also displayed a hand sign associated with the slogan, prompting an angry reaction from Machoka, who was keen to keep politics away from his career celebration.

In videos circulating on social media, the veteran broadcaster is heard asking security officers to remove his niece from the stage.

Machoka insisted that he would not allow the political chants to overshadow an occasion celebrating his professional achievements.

However, Orwoba appeared unfazed by the incident and responded publicly the following morning.

In a Facebook post, the former senator wrote, “Good morning! Lazima nikumbushe Uncle mambo ni WANTAM!” Her remarks attracted considerable attention, with Kenyans sharing different opinions about the confrontation.

Some social media users criticised her for introducing politics into a family celebration, while others defended her right to express her political views.

The incident has sparked fresh debate about the growing influence of political slogans as Kenya gradually moves towards the 2027 General Election.

Machoka’s celebration also featured performances by renowned musicians, including Congolese rhumba stars Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel, alongside other African and Kenyan entertainers.

The event was intended to honour Machoka’s contribution to the media industry, but the confrontation with Orwoba quickly became one of its most talked-about moments.

The incident has since drawn widespread attention online, highlighting how political differences can spill into family gatherings and major public celebrations.

Day—Light feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com