Fred Obachi Machoka Set to Retire After Five Decades on Air

Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka is set to retire from broadcasting after five decades on air, according to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

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

He added that the event will feature performances by African music stars including Koffi Olomide, Mbilia Bel and Sam Fan Thomas, among other entertainers.

“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,” Sonko stated.

Machoka to Be Celebrated After 50 Years in Broadcasting

Sonko celebrated Machoka’s five-decade career, describing him as a legendary broadcaster who has informed and entertained generations of Kenyans.

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According to the former governor, Machoka’s broadcasting journey spans his time at the Voice of Kenya, now the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and later Royal Media Services.

“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,” Sonko stated.

He congratulated Machoka on his 50-year career, noting that although he would be retiring from the microphone, his legacy would continue.

Meanwhile, Machoka is widely known for his Roga Roga show, a programme associated with Rhumba music which airs on both Radio Citizen and Citizen TV.

Before entering the media industry, he served as an officer in the General Service Unit (GSU), where he left the service in the 1970s to pursue broadcasting after participating in a radio audition.

Veteran Broadcaster Receives Recognition for 50 Years on Air

The announcement of his retirement comes after the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) honoured Machoka in July 2026 for reaching 50 years in the broadcasting profession.

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During the recognition event, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said the initiative was also intended to celebrate veteran media practitioners and preserve their contribution to Kenya’s broadcasting history.

Machoka said his engagement with MCK was aimed at contributing to discussions on the welfare of journalists and creating a stronger professional environment for future media practitioners.

Furthermore, his contribution to the media industry has also earned him national recognition. In December 2021, former President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded him the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) for his service to the media industry.

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Photo showing Fred Machoka and Mike Sonko during the dropping of the invite for his retirement party . Photo/ Sonko/ FB