Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna./HANDOUTNairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Tuesday left his colleagues in stitches after joking that he might struggle to raise the Sh25,000 ticket for veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s 50th anniversary in the media.
Sifuna was speaking in the Senate while welcoming Machoka and other distinguished guests who were in the gallery when he recalled his past visits to the veteran broadcaster's Fred's Ranch.
The senator said his life had changed dramatically and that he no longer visited the ranch as frequently as he did in the past.
"Obachi Machoka knows that before my life changed dramatically, I was a regular visitor at his premises, called Fred's Ranch. A very good nyama choma there, and everything has grown and raised there," Sifuna said.
He added that Machoka had probably not seen him at the premises for a long time because of what he described as restrictions imposed on his life.
"These days, he knows the restrictions that have been imposed upon my life. I'm sure he has not seen me in a long time in those areas," he said.
Sifuna then turned his attention to Machoka's upcoming celebration, saying senators would attend the event scheduled for Saturday at Ulinzi Grounds.
"As the Majority Leader has confirmed, on Saturday we have a major function at Ulinzi Grounds to celebrate Fred Obachi Machoka's 50 years in media. And we will be there, Honourable Speaker, although the tickets have been priced quite high," he said.
He then teased Machoka over the Sh25,000 ticket, saying his sponsors had come under pressure from the government.
"And you know, Fred Obachi Machoka, the government has of late really, really gone after my sponsors. I might not be able to afford the Sh25,000," Sifuna said.
The remarks drew laughter in the Senate as Sifuna continued with his appeal to Machoka.
He said the ticket price could be easier for the Senate Majority Leader to manage, before suggesting that Machoka could allow him into the venue without paying.
"The Sh25,000 might be easy for the Majority Leader, but for me, I'll be speaking to Fred Obachi Machoka to allow me into the venue as the senator of Nairobi," Sifuna said.
He then added another light-hearted reason for seeking entry, saying the event would provide an opportunity for him to exercise his oversight role.
"The event is to oversight the Majority Leader," he said, drawing further amusement from the chamber.
Away from the light-hearted exchange, Sifuna praised Machoka's contribution to the media industry and joined other senators in celebrating his five decades in the profession.
He congratulated Machoka and other artists present in the Senate before wishing them well as they prepare for the celebration.
