Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machokaa recently appeared in court to testify in a defamation case against Robert Alai. During the proceedings, the man known as the "Blackest Man in Black Africa" shared insights into his early career and the impact of recent social media allegations on his extensive brand.
A Brief Stint in Uniform
Before becoming a staple of Kenyan radio, Machokaa served in the police force. He joined the service in 1972. However, his time as a police officer was relatively short-lived compared to his legendary status in the media.
After only four years in the force, he made the significant decision to transition into the world of broadcasting in 1976. He moved to the Voice of Kenya (VOK), the station now known as the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
“I started working in 1972 as a police officer for four years then I moved to broadcasting to VOK which is now KBC,” he said.
From there, his career trajectory led him to Royal Media Services, where he continues to host popular programmes on Radio Citizen. While the court testimony focused on the timeline of his transition, public records often cite his win in a radio talent search competition as the catalyst for leaving law enforcement to pursue his passion for the microphone.
"I will be 50 years in broadcasting in September... I also host various events served in master of ceremony in various national and international events,” he added.
A Lifetime of Achievement
Machokaa’s career spans half a century, making him one of the most decorated media personalities in the country. He has received numerous national and international awards for his contributions to the industry.
The late President Mwai Kibaki awarded him the Head of State Commendation (HSC). Later, he was bestowed the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) by Kenya’s fourth president. His reputation as an elite Master of Ceremonies (MC) was cemented when he hosted the "Kenya at 50" celebrations, an event attended by 19 heads of state.
The Legal Dispute with Robert Alai
The veteran host is currently embroiled in a legal suit against Robert Alai, the MCA for Kileleshwa. Machokaa alleges that Alai used a Facebook account to publish defamatory statements regarding his health status.
The court heard that the post claimed Machokaa was HIV positive. It further alleged that medication he was taking was affecting his mental clarity and making him irrational.
Machokaa told the court these claims were an "insult" and were designed to destroy his hard-earned reputation.
"When you go out there alleging that I'm HIV positive and that I'm on ARVs that are making me irrational in thinking... you're destroying me,” he said.
Protecting a Multi-Faceted Brand
Beyond the microphone, Machokaa is a successful businessman. He is the founder and chairman of Fred’s Ranch, a well-known resort. He noted that his name is a brand attached to various commercial interests, including billboard advertising and international marketing contracts.
Machokaa emphasised that the allegations do not just affect his business but also his personal life. He described himself as a family man—a father, a grandfather, and a father-in-law. Protecting his name, he argued, is essential for his legacy and his family's standing.
