Veteran radio presenter Maina Kageni has rallied Kenyans to support fellow broadcaster Alex Mwakideu after he publicly opened up about his battle with progressive hearing loss.

Kageni shared an emotional message on August 10, 2026, encouraging his followers to watch Mwakideu’s 30-minute testimony, “Hear Me Clearly”, in which the veteran broadcaster details his experience and the impact the condition has had on his life.
“Mr Alex Mwakideu … you are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Mwakideu Opens Up About Hearing Loss

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Mwakideu, who has spent more than two decades in broadcasting, explained that his hearing problems developed gradually.
Alex Mwakideu // Instagram
According to his account, years of using headphones and working around loud sounds contributed to the deterioration.
The broadcaster has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or the nerves that carry sound signals to the brain. Reports indicate that he has lost about 45 to 50 per cent of hearing in his left ear.
Mwakideu said the problem became increasingly noticeable during conversations with his wife, Mariam Mwemba, and their children. He also noticed that he needed higher television volume and sometimes struggled to follow ordinary conversations.

The Cost of Managing the Condition

Mwakideu is reportedly using a hearing device valued at about KSh430,000 to help him manage the condition.
Medical assessments have described the hearing loss as progressive, adding another challenge for a broadcaster whose career depends heavily on listening and communication.
The veteran presenter has worked across several Kenyan radio stations during his career, including Baraka FM, Radio Maisha and Milele FM. He currently co-hosts a breakfast show on Radio 47.

Maina Kageni Calls for Prayers

Kageni said Mwakideu’s situation was particularly worrying for people working in radio.
He pointed to the long-term use of headphones as one of the concerns affecting broadcasters.
“He has spent years trying to listen and hear from millions of people, and now he's struggling to hear them.”
Kageni also appealed to ear, nose and throat specialists who might have information about possible treatment options.
“We shall keep looking,” he said, while expressing hope that medical advances could provide further help.

Kenyans Rally Behind Mwakideu

Kageni’s message prompted an outpouring of support online.
Kareh's Bales:
“Healing is your portion. I have been listening to you from way back.”
House of Samito:
Mwakideu is a legend in the industry, and we offered prayers for his recovery.
Frankysertoi
I have been moved after watching the testimony, particularly after hearing that there was little that could be done for the condition.
Lynn Kish Braidist :
“I've just said a prayer for you.”
@Muendi 🌸😍 said:
"What if tuchange alafu aende the best hospital in the world. 😳"