Bio
Primary School: Dr. Kraft primary school
Marital Status: Married
Children: 4
Role model: The late Mzee Tamaa bin Tamaa.
Owns: Zuka Records
Local comedy show Vioja Mahakamani was the program one would not afford to miss in the 90s. Before their unceremonious exit from the popular sitcom, the likes of Peter Sankale (who played Olexander Josephat), late Mzee Ojwang Hatari (Benson Wanjau), Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (Hirum Mungai) and Alfonse Dot Makacha Dot Makokha-real name Mathias Keya-would leave viewers in stitches.
Apart from these funny men, other notable characters who played more ‘serious’ roles were Gibson Kamau (Prosecutor), Mama G aka Judge (Lucy Wangui).
Alfonse Dot Makacha Dot Makokha Bio
His story is that of resilience and self-belief devoid in most of us. According to the popular comedian, he first came to Nairobi in the 80s. Alfonse, in an interview in one of the leading dailies, recounted how he had to adjust to city life.
From being taught in mother tongue, the young impressionable Mathias had to learn English and Swahili to understand the ‘city’ teachers.
The actor lived in Maringo estate in Eastlands. He told Radio Jambo of his acting exploits early in life:
I started acting as a young kid, I can vividly remember it all started when I was in class 3 , at Dr. Kraft primary school where I participated in music and drama festivals, a hobby-turned talent which I took along throughout primary school.”
Dropping Out Of School
The funny man dropped out of school when he was in form two due to financial constraints. He thought his blossoming acting career had come tumbling down but that was just the beginning of his illustrious acting journey. He was to join Zuma Zuma that earned him a tour to South Korea.
“Soon after dropping out, I joined Jericho acrobats group by the name ‘Zuma zuma’ where we used to perform in events and shows, which included performing in luxurious hotels in Kenya. My biggest breakout came after I joined Jericho Cultural dancers. Our dances and comedy shows earned us an unforgettable tour to Korea,” the comedian shared with Radio Jambo.
Then lady luck came smiling when Mama Kayai of Vitimbi noticed his talent during a performance a city hotel in 1992. The veteran actress invited Makokha for a shoot and he went on to make it to the show without any auditions.
Programs featured
Vitimbi-KBC
Vioja Mahakamani-KBC
Jungu Kuu-K24
Daktari-KTN
Hullabalo-Maisha Magic
Family
The actor is married and blessed with four children.
Salary
According to blogger Robert Alai, Vioja and Vitimbi actors earned between kes250,000 to kes300,000 per month. Part of what he shared on social media read:
“I have learnt that KBC paid the Vitimbi and Vioja Mahakamani so well.
In fact most of these actors have really invested and have had their children taken to Western schools.
Most of these actors have a starting monthly (not per project) salary of Ksh 250,000. Ojwang’ was paid Ksh 300,000 from 2005 and the money was UNTAXED.”
The figures provided have not been independently verified by whownskenya.com
Honors and Awards
The form two drop out has gone to perform for former Heads of State Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and current President Uhuru Kenyatta in public functions.
Makokha, together with Ondiek Nyuka Kwota and Olexander Josephat bagged a Kalasha award for best comedy of the year 2017 with Hullabaloo that airs on Maisha Magic.
