Martin Githinji, widely known as Daddie Marto, is a household name in Kenyan entertainment—a gifted actor, charismatic host, and insightful content creator.
Over the years, he has evolved from comedic roles to serious drama and reality television, carving out a niche that balances humour, heart, and authenticity.
Rise to Fame on Screen
Marto first garnered attention for his role as the cheeky and lovable Jonnie in the popular drama “Sue na Jonnie”, where his portrayal of a Nairobi hustler resonated with audiences across East Africa.
His ability to ground comedic flair in relatable character work quickly made him a fan favourite.
He later landed a pivotal part in “County 49”, a high-stakes political thriller on Showmax, playing a member of a governor’s security detail.
His intense, layered performance revealed a dramatic depth that critics praised and earned multiple Kalasha nominations, firmly cementing his status as a versatile actor.
From Acting to Hosting
In December 2024, Marto and his wife Christine Koku Lwanga were announced as co-hosts of Showmax’s reality-dating series “Nairobi Bachelor”, which debuted on 6 December 2024.
The 13-part show blends romance, drama, and honest conversations about compatibility. Marto’s reflections on modern dating—its blend of traditional norms and app culture—hit home with Kenyan audiences.
Digital Storyteller and MC
Off-screen, Marto continues to engage audiences through his presence as an adept MC and digital storyteller.
His website and social channels host content on everything from parenting and tech to farming and lifestyle—showing the breadth of his interests.
Much of Marto’s work is informed by his challenging upbringing. Raised with little presence from his father, he has shared how confronting him revealed a mix of admiration and bitterness.
That experience, he says, has fueled his intentional effort to be a more mindful, emotionally available father to his three sons: Marcus Tau (b. 2018), a second son (b. August 2021), and Richard Koa (b. June 2023) .
He frequently posts moments of parenting joy—and struggle—online: from a dramatic June 2023 car-birth in Nairobi traffic to quiet reflections on fatherhood long after the spotlight retreats.
Work with Christine Koku Lwanga
Marto and his estranged wife Christine have collaborated extensively. Since their marriage in 2018, they co-produced comedic sketches and candid videos, often touching on parenting, relationships, and everyday life.
Their synergy shone during their stint hosting “Nairobi Bachelor”, which used a “baggage” segment to dig into emotional truths—embodying their appeal as a couple who can balance light-heartedness with more serious content.
Recently, Christine revealed that the couple had discussed separation.
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