As a manager within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) mental health services, she is carving out a path in a leadership arena where young, Black voices are still far too rare. In a recent conversation with Whownskenya.com, Dr. Elizabeth shared the story of her remarkable rise from Nairobi, her insights into the British healthcare system, and the delicate art of balancing a high-stakes career with family life.

Foundations in Nairobi and the JKUAT Launchpad

Dr. Elizabeth’s journey began in the heart of Kenya.

“I grew up and studied in Nairobi my whole life, I attended Moi Girls’ School Nairobi, which laid the initial groundwork,” she says.

With her sights set high, she enrolled at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Main Campus. She has a Bsc Human Nutrition and Dietitics and an MSc and PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. Looking back, she credits the university’s rigorous, hands-on philosophy for preparing her for the global stage.

“JKUAT really fueled my ambitions by providing practical learning, the focus on labs, workshops, and project-based coursework allowed me to take complex theories and apply them directly to real-world problems.”

“The university’s network also proved invaluable. Their industry ties and partnerships with local hospitals and research centers gave me crucial exposure through internships and fieldwork,” she notes.

“Access to such dedicated faculty, alumni, and peers offered the mentorship and collaboration I needed to move forward.”

Her academic performance soon opened doors in Europe.

“I was actually offered a chance to go to Germany with DAAD during my thesis period,” she tells WoK.

She adds: “However, I couldn’t take it because I was already working in the UK and had become well-established in my area of expertise there.”

Breaking Barriers in the UK NHS

Upon moving to the UK, Dr. Elizabeth quickly navigated the ranks of the NHS. While many immigrants encounter systemic hurdles, she describes her transition into management as a positive experience, thanks to a supportive professional culture.

“To be honest, I didn’t face significant challenges because the NHS is a very supportive institution,” she says.

“Choosing to lead in the mental health sector was a deliberate move, intended to challenge the status quo for minority professionals in the UK. It feels wonderful to occupy this space and support those coming up behind me,” Dr. Elizabeth shares.

She adds: “Many Black professionals in the UK are hesitant to step into leadership, often staying at entry-level roles for years despite their potential. I want to change that narrative.”

For her, management is about more than just administration; it’s about impact.

“Beyond the protocols, what truly drives me is the opportunity to empower patients, families, and clinicians with compassionate guidance and a clear path toward a healthier future.”

Healthcare Dynamics: Kenya vs. The UK

Her perspective from the UK has given her a unique vantage point on how Kenya’s medical sector might evolve, particularly regarding mental health and integrated care.

“It’s an exciting field, especially since there is currently less emphasis in Kenya on mental health and the multidisciplinary teamwork that involves all healthcare cadres,” she observes.

She notes that the British system thrives because every role is valued equally.

“In the UK, every healthcare professional is actively involved and respected. This collaboration ensures patients get the best possible care and recover faster. Specialization is also highly encouraged and appreciated.”

The Power of a Support System

Behind every successful leader is a solid foundation, and Dr. Elizabeth credits her drive to those closest to her. She notes that her greatest motivation comes from her husband, child, parents, and siblings, who have always pushed her to aim for the stars. Managing the demands of a healthcare career alongside motherhood is no easy feat, and she points to her husband as her primary pillar of support.

“Honestly, my husband is incredibly supportive, and that makes all the difference when balancing work and family, we work as a team so that neither of us has to shoulder it all alone.”

A Word to Aspiring Professionals

Dr. Elizabeth’s journey from Nairobi to the upper echelons of the NHS is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As our interview drew to a close, she shared an encouraging message for any young Kenyan eyeing international success:

“To everyone aspiring to enter these spaces: stay motivated. Go out there and achieve those goals. It is entirely possible.”

-Dr Austin Omondi has been vocal on mental health advocacy and was pivotal in mobilising young medics to provide free medical services to injured protesters during the 2024 finance bill riots.

Dr Austin Omondi popularly known as Japrado is a young doctor who is building a strong legacy. He is the founder for Medics for Kenya and was feted among the top 100 Kenyans in 2024. He was also honoured as the Star person of the year 2024.

Here is his brief biography as told by WoK:

Education

Omondi sat for his KCPE at High Gate Academy, Mombasa in 2008 and scored an impressive 422 marks. This remarkable achievement earned him a slot at Alliance High School.

According to him, being at Alliance was an inspiration especially figuring out the successful people who had already gone through this iconic institution. He scored an A in KCSE and pursued an undergraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery.

Humanitarian role and abduction 

After 6 years in medical school, Omondi proceeded for a one year internship. During this period, he made headlines when he mobilised young medics to provide free medical services to injured demonstrators during the deadly 2024 Gen Z riots. As the founder for Medics for Kenya, Omondi has seen the group conduct medical camps and blood donation drives among other volunteering services.

During the riots, he brought together at least 100 medics who made a makeshift clinic at Jamia Mosque where they did triaging, first aid and referrals to protesters who had been injured.

However, Omondi’s role is alleged to have been the reason behind his abduction in June 2024. He was abducted by unknown persons at Sikh Union. At the time, Omondi was conducting a blood donation drive.

“I was this afternoon abducted by the Police incommunicado while conducting a blood donation drive at the Sikh Union,” he posted on X.

The matter led to uproar on social media with officials from KMPDU, LSK and KMA pushing for his release. The doctors’ union even threatened a strike. He was eventually released.

• Beryl Achieng Okumu was married to Tycoon Otieno Ambala who was described by Oburu as being as ‘a combative’ man. He once clinched his fists and began jumping up and down his office when Raila and Odinga went to visit him.

The death of Beryl Achieng Okumu Odinga on 25th November 2025 has left many wondering how she was good at avoiding the limelight. The reason for this could be because she spent more than three decades in Zimbabwe after she fled an abusive marriage.

In this article, WoK chronicles the biography of Beryl Achieng Odinga.

Age 

Beryl Achieng was born in 1952 at a time when the Kapenguria 6 had just been arrested. The father named her after political detainee Achieng Oneko.

She was 73 years old by the time of her death.

Education

She began schooling at Nyamira Primary School then joined Kenya High School for her O-level certificate before enrolling at St Francis Mang’u for her A-level. She studied Law and had a brief stint as a tutor at Kenya School of Law.

Career 

In the early 70’s, Achieng worked for the Odinga family’s bus company, Lolwe Road Services.

While teaching at KSL, Beryl was battling the storm of an abusive marriage. But 1979 was her Damascus moment when she chose to walk out of her marriage with Otieno Ambala. Because Otieno was stalking her, the Odinga family pushed for her relocation to Zimbabwe in 1980.

By that time, Zimbabwe had just gained independence and she became the first black town clerk of Mutare. She later had a stint in the same position in another town. The enterprising Achieng would later open her hotel in Harare.

She returned back to Kenya in 2013 and worked for the Railway Pension Scheme. In 2020, Beryl was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

Troubled marriage

Achieng was in a troublesome marriage with tycoon Otieno Ambala, a man who introduced potato chips into the Kenyan market. He had vast investments in real estate and energy sector and supplied fuel as far as Rwanda. Ambala is a former Gem MP and died while at Kodiaga prison after he was arrested on suspicion of organising the assassination of Horace Ongili.

Ambala began seducing Achieng in the early 70’s. However, according to Raila Odinga, their family was against Ambala pursuing and marrying Achieng because they read his political interests being a priority. But Achieng insisted she was in love with Ambala.

“I would not write about Otieno Ambala but for the fact that he came into my family by skillfully plotting around my sister Beryl and luring her into his politically ambitious tentacles. Against my father’s, Oburu’s and my advice, and against the family wishes, this very arrogant man manipulated my sister – who was freshly out of school – into an affair and finally into marriage.”

“I write about their relationship only because it brought me close to a classic case of domestic abuse and showed me how a man can misuse his power to hurt a woman,” Raila writes in his book Flame of Freedom. 

Ambala’s first wife died in 1973 and he went for negotiations for Achieng’s marriage the following year. He would later marry her and got elected as Gem MP in 1979. Raila says their family helped in campaigning for him having previously lost in 1974. But this victory made Ambala more abusive.

“Ambala’s victory went to his head. If his relationship with Beryl was stormy before, it was much worse afterwards, and Beryl eventually moved out,” Raila says.

Children

Beryl Achieng had two children with Ambala; Auma and Chizi. She has another child by the name Taure.

Death

Beryl Achieng died on 25th November 2025 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.

“It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” Ruth Odinga said.

Samia Suluhu Hassan is the current president of Tanzania. She made history when she became the first female vice president of the country in 2015 when she was elected alongside former president John Pombe Magufuli

Her journey to the top has been nothing short of methodical. Ever since joining politics in 2000, she has worked in various dockets and ministries. At one point, she was the only high ranking female to work in the cabinet.

Photo|BBC

When she took over the highest office in Tanzania, the BBC described her as more thoughtful and considered(As opposed to Magufuli). The BBC also said she is a good listener who believes in following the correct procedures.

However, her short stint as president introduced the other side of Suluhu that the world had not imagined. Suluhu has been accused of silencing critics using brutal means and suppressing communication through internet shutdown.

During the general elections in October 2025, thousands of Tanzanians took to the streets in Dar Es Salaam and other major towns where violent riots unfolded. As Tanzania was plunged into the darkest moment of her history, Samia Suluhu remained mute. It was reported that there was massive bloodshed.

Age and Background

Suluhu was born on 27th January 1960. She was born in the sultanate of Zanzibar.

Education

Upon completing her secondary education in 1977, she was employed as a clerk by the Ministry of Planning and Development.

In 1986, she graduated from the Institute of Development Management with an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration.

She then proceeded to the University of Manchester where she left with a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics.

In 2015, she got an MSc in Community Economic Development through a joint program between the Open University of Tanzania and the Southern New Hampshire University.

Career

After graduating with an advanced diploma in 1986, she was employed on a project funded by the World Food Programme.

Politics

Suluhu ventured into politics in 2000. President Amani Karume appointed her minister and she was also elected as special seat member to the Zanzibar House of Representatives. At the time, she was the only high ranking female in cabinet. This made her male colleagues despise her.

Nonetheless, she was elected once again in 2005 and was also appointed minister.

In 2010, she decided to join the National Assembly, hence vied for the parliamentary seat of Makunduchi constituency. She won having received more than 80% of the total votes casted. She was appointed Minister of State for Union Affairs by president Jakaya Kikwete.

In 2014, she was elected as the Vice Chairperson to  the Constituent Assembly in charge of drafting the country’s new Constitution.

In July 2015, the presidential nominee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi chose her as his running mate for the 2015 general election. This was a historical moment as she became the first female running mate in the party’s history. When Magufuli won the election, she became the first female vice president in Tanzania.

The death of Magufuli in 2021 meant that she was going to take over as president for the remainder of the term. Initially seen as an accommodative leader, Samia Suluhu has ferociously dealt with her critics especially in the days leading to the 2025 general elections.

Her government has been accused of enforced disappearances, killings and suppression of freedom. In June 2025, activists Boniface Mwangi of Kenya and Ugandan Atuhaire Agather were reported to be missing after being arrested and detained in Tanzania. They had visited Tanzania to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The activists alleged they were subjected to sexual torture in Tanzania where they were detained for several days. Due to this, Suluhu’s administration found itself on the radar of UN experts who warned against enforced disappearances of activists and journalists.

Her main rival in the elections, Tundu Lissu of Chadema party was in April 2025 arrested and charged with treason and cybercrime offenses. Lissu was later disqualified from participating in the elections. The October 2025 elections was marred with deadly violence with hundreds reported to have lost lives. Suluhu’s government had disconnected electricity and shut down the internet. She went on to win the controversial polls with approximately 98% of the votes cast.

The polls revealed the need for electoral reforms in Tanzania especially with their constitution not giving chance for petition of presidential elections.

Marriage

The president of Tanzania got married to Hafidh Ameir in 1978. Hafidh is a retired Agricultural Officer. The two have four children with their second born, Wanu Hafidh Ameir (born in 1982), working as a special seat member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.

On 21st September 2025, the students of Litein Boys High School organised one of the most catastrophic  strike ever to be witnessed in any learning institution in the country. It is reported that the students had been denied a chance to watch the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City.

The aftermath of the strike left the school in disarray, with defaced classrooms, tattered books and shards of broken glass.

Irate students went berserk, vandalising property worth millions of shillings. In a brazen show of lawlessness, some stormed the teachers’ quarters and recorded themselves cooking eggs and chapatis. Within hours the iconic Litein Boys that had taken years of establishment had been reduced to ashes.

The students emblazoned a chilling graffiti note addressed to the principal. With the school left with an egg on its face, key stakeholders including parents and leaders sent different opinions on how the riot could have been prevented. While others believe Mr. Sang’s strict nature could have been the trigger, others opined that students’ indiscipline is primarily caused by poor parenting.

Mr Richard Sang Profile 

Mr. Richard Sang is a former principal of Kaplong Boys High School and Longisa High School. He is an alumnus of Litein Boys High School, the same school he currently heads. He teaches History and Government.

In a past social media post acknowledging Sang, most of his former students heaped praises to him, describing him as an excellent administrator.

Brian, an alumnus of Longisa Boys High School said this of him: “I remember him from Longisa boys high School when I was a student there.The man is a five star general.”

Sang took over the reign of Litein Boys High School in 2023. Previously, the school was headed by Julius Mambili who went on to Kakamega High School before his retirement.

Achievements 

Under the leadership of Sang, Litein Boys has posted above average academic results. In 2023 the school dropped from a mean of 7.96 (B-) to post 7.10 (C+).

In the 2024 KCSE, Litein posted a slight improvement to settle for a mean point of 7.3 (C+).

Read also: From A Teacher, To Pioneering Principal Of Sunshine Now VC Of Daystar: Recognising Professor Laban P. Ayiro

Mr. Richard Sang describes the school as the main ‘epitome of activities in the larger Kericho County and Bureti Sub-County. According to him, the school is blessed with adequate fields and courts, a blessing that makes it selected to host various sporting tournaments. In 2023, the school was the regional runners up in hockey and also reached the county basketball finals.

“We always encourage our boys that we balance both academic and extracurricular activities so that we make them very active and we develop talents,” Sang said in a past interview.

Discipline

At Litein Boys High School, Sang has instilled various measures to ensure the students are disciplined. This includes having a guidance and counselling department and seeking the support of the chaplaincy.

“The church is very supportive. It is very close and is everything in this school,” he said in a 2024 interview.

Student Unrest and challenges 

Despite the various measures put in place, the school has witnessed 4 episodes of student strikes within the past 3 years. In the latest strike that left the school in ruins, Sang was accused by a section of students of denying them a chance to watch a Premier League match.

Read Also: Nanyuki High School Principal, Performance, Co-curricular Activities And Contacts

Apart from frequent strikes, Sang revealed that the rise in school population is a challenge considering the infrastructural demands. He also noted that the institution needed a perimeter wall to keep it safe and secure from the busy Litein town.

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That memorable quote from football legend Lionel Messi suggests that we often admire success without comprehending the years of hardship, sacrifice, and unseen struggle that paved the way.

This lesson fits perfectly with the life and journey of Gathaiya Dennis. Widely recognized as one-half of the beloved Kameme FM duo, Gathaiya co-hosts the wildly popular afternoon show “Kwigangara” alongside comedian Ngoni wa Thuita.

He also commands the airwaves on Sunday nights with his country music show, dubbed ‘Kameme Country’. But what is the story behind Gathaiya’s household name and the easy on-air chemistry?

This is his journey as told by WOK:

Humble Beginnings

Dennis Gathaiya was born in the verdant tea-growing region of Mioro in Mathioya, Murang’a County.

A lastborn of three, both his parents worked as teachers. His father taught at Muthangari Primary School while his mother was a teacher at Mioro Primary School.

With his parents working as civil servants, Gathaiya’s childhood was relatively stable.

That was until he was ten years old and in class 5, when his father passed away, leaving his mother to shoulder the family’s responsibilities alone.

In class 7, he was transferred to St Benedict Boys’ Primary School in Neri. “It was there that I encountered my first culture shock after tasting boarding school life. I met students from every part of Kenya. The official languages were Kiswahili and English. For the first year, it was hard for me to adapt to the life,” he said in an interview.

After passing his KCPE, he was admitted to Karima Boys’ High School, still in Nyeri. However, life was a bit hard financially because his elder siblings were still in high school. “I remember going home a few times for school fees, but my mother did her best to ensure I stayed in school,” he said.

A Dream Takes Root

It was during his time at Karima High School that Gathaiya developed the passion to be a vernacular radio broadcaster. “I used to listen to presenters like Penina Muthoni Mbugua (PM squared), Njoki Ndegwa, Anderson Waweru, and I wanted to be like them one day,” said Gathaiya.

He was also a great reader of magazines, a trait he inherited from his father. “My father’s favorite magazine was called Mwihoko, a Kikuyu newspaper that was published by the Diocese of Murang’a. I would wait for him to finish reading, and then I would take it and read after him. I especially used to enjoy stories by Wahome Mutahi,” he said.

These traits, coupled with his prowess in language subjects, led him to be chosen as the school’s youngest student to ever chair the journalism club.

After high school, Gathaiya enrolled at Smart Media College in Nairobi. The school is located next to the Khoja stage.

From day one, his focus was singular. “All my peers wanted to be put in Kiswahili and English radio stations, but my path was different,” he stated. He was determined to master the art of vernacular broadcasting.

His attachment at Bahasha FM, which later became Countryside FM, gave him his first taste of the industry, allowing him to rub shoulders with veterans like George Waweru and a young Larry Madowo.

After the attachment, Gathaiya got his first job as a lecturer to teach radio production and journalism at a startup college that was located in South B.

“The institution had only one journalism student. It was there that I got my first end-of-the-month salary of sh 5,000. They used to pay me in cash. With such an amount, there was no need for bank deposits,” he said.

A subsequent lecturing job offered a higher salary of Sh12,000, but came with its soul-crushing challenge. “Throughout my time at that institution, I never once got the Sh12,000 salary in full,” he explained. “I used to be paid in small random amounts of like Sh2,000.”

When the frustrated staff finally protested, they were all unceremoniously fired. Jobless and unable to afford rent, he gave up and relocated back to his village in Murang’a.

A job at Kameme FM

After three months in the village, with his dream seemingly dead, Gathaiya’s mother intervened. She encouraged him to try again, reminding him that opportunity lay in the city, not in the village.

With her support, he moved back to Nairobi, renting a house in Githurai to start over.

It was then that he heard an advertisement that would change his life: Kameme FM was hiring.

He hand-delivered his application to their offices at Union Towers. After a series of interviews, his talent and passion paid off.

In 2012, he was hired and assigned to the “Kwigangara” show, the same show he hosts to this day.

Walking into the Kameme FM studios was a full-circle moment. “I was surprised to find that some of my former colleagues at Bahasha FM were also presenters here,” he said.

Although he has had various co-host combinations throughout the years, the one he seems to have clicked with the most is his current Co-Host, veteran comedian Ngoni Wa Thuita.

As an artist, he can find inspiration everywhere – in people’s stories, films, and music. He believes you just need to “stop and smell the roses” to find it. This approach has shaped his art, making it not just visually appealing, but also full of emotion, bold storytelling, and a strong sense of his own identity and Kenyan spirit.

Let’s delve deeper into the mind of this creative force.

Hi Ed, what do you do?

Hi, I’m an illustrator, muralist and animator based in Nairobi, Kenya.

What inspires you daily?

Oh, would it be corny if I said everything? I’m inspired by my personal journey. Other people’s stories (Any background), Film, music. The list can go on and on. Inspiration is everywhere. I say, “you just got stop and smell the roses “

Looking back at your artistic journey, what’s the most significant shift you’ve observed in your style or perspective?

Looking back, the biggest shift has been learning to trust my voice. I started off trying to “get it right,” but over time, I have embraced boldness, emotion, and storytelling as my signature. Now, my style is not just about how it looks, it’s about how it feels. There’s more soul, more Kenya, more me in every piece.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about the power of visual communication?

Storytelling. Even if it’s just a moment. I’m able to share a minute with the viewer. They’re able to understand life and experience, life situation through my lens.

Also allowing the viewer to block away the world for a moment and enjoy my art with me.

When faced with creative block, what’s your go-to strategy for reigniting your inspiration?

Easy. Travel, travel, travel. Watching documentaries. Being around other artists and enjoying their craft. Gallery visits

What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through your art?

I don’t know if it’s magic. I can learn a new style of art in just days. And that’s why I’m always like a crazy scientist. Experimenting. This tends to keep the journey fun cause it’s not about the destination.

How has working on projects for established brands shaped your understanding of the relationship between art and commerce?

It has shown me that art is not just for galleries, with the digital era, it can hustle too! It has taught me how creativity and strategy can blend, turning my ideas into visuals that not only look good but sell. Art meets commerce when storytelling meets purpose, and I have loved finding that sweet spot.

As a Kenyan designer, what does it mean to you to have your work featured on such an iconic Kenyan brand like Kenya Cane?

It means the world! As a Kenyan designer, having my work featured on a legendary brand like Kenya Cane feels like being woven into the fabric of our culture. It is pure joy, knowing my art gets to live on a bottle that’s been part of celebrations, stories, and memories across generations. I’m not just creating, I’m becoming part of a legacy, and that’s magic!

What inspired the visuals behind the logo? 

The Kenyan culture was my compass, especially the magic that happens when the old and new generations meet. I was inspired by elements that both generations instantly get, those nostalgic, proudly Kenyan visuals that still feel fresh and bold today. You know that perfect balance between “aii, I remember that!” and “yo, that is fire!”

And in true Ed style, I had a whole stash of designs (yes, many) that I was excited to share with the team. It was such a pleasure showing the range, how I can remix culture, style, and story into visuals that feel rooted and new.

What is your favourite element on the pack and why?

That’s like choosing a favourite kid haha. I can say the matatu culture. It’s a moving canvas. Do I need to say more?

Which of the Kenyan elements was the most challenging to incorporate, and why?

The animal was definitely the hardest! Kenya has so many iconic animals, again it was like choosing a favorite child. But I finally settled on the flamingoes of Lake Nakuru. They’re not only striking and elegant, but they also carry that unmistakable Kenyan charm. Plus, their vibrant color and movement brought the design to life in such a unique way!

As an artist, what message do you hope the overall design conveys about the Kenyan culture?

I hope the design proudly shouts: “This is Kenya bold, vibrant, and full of soul!” I wanted it to celebrate our culture as something alive and evolving where tradition meets creativity, and where every pattern, color, and symbol tells a story. It is a love letter to Kenya’s spirit: joyful, resilient, and always expressive.

What do you hope people will always remember about your work?

That Ed is a crazy vibrant artist always on the go. I hope people always remember the feeling, that spark of joy, pride, and connection. I want my work to leave a mark that says, “This is us. This is Kenya.” Bold, unapologetic, full of rhythm and story. If it makes someone smile, reflect, or feel seen… then I have done my job.

Through hard work and determination, Exodus has risen from relative obscurity to now rubbing shoulders with the who-and-whos of Kenya’s entertainment industry, the likes of Wilbroda, Alex Mwakideu, Willis Laburu, Obinna, and Mama Kayai.

In a candid interview with Radio 47, MC Exodus shared the highs and lows of his path to success. This is his journey as told by WOK:

Early Life and Hardships

Eric Obuya was born in Migori, where he was raised by his grandmother after losing both parents at a young age. After completing his Form 4 education, he moved to Nairobi in search of better opportunities.

His aunt offered him a job as a house help in Athi River’s Sunset Boulevard estate, where he assisted with household chores for a promised salary of Ksh 3,000. However, he never received this payment, as his aunt considered his food and shelter sufficient compensation.

In Athi River, the charismatic and ever-lively Obuya was often the life of many a party, where he expressed his creative talent by entertaining his neighbours with humorous skits.

In 2016, a supportive neighbour was so impressed by Eric’s potential that she paid for his fare to attend auditions at Carnival for the Churchill Show. This opportunity marked his entry into Kenya’s creative scene.

“When I went to Churchill auditions, I got motivated when I saw other creative artists,” he recalled during his Radio 47 interview. Around this time, he also engaged in menial jobs, such as selling shoes, to make ends meet.

Life’s Challenges

After a year in Athi River, Eric moved to Kawangware to live with his cousin. Life there was tough, with the duo residing in a modest mabati (iron sheet) house. “We once came from mjengo work to find that thieves had stolen our mattress and stove,” shared the 29-year-old.

Later, his cousin invited him to Lang’ata, where Eric became an active member of Winners’ Chapel, participating in Bible studies and church dramas.

However, a fallout with his cousin left him homeless, forcing him to seek refuge in the church’s store room in South B, near Mombasa Road. The store room was where mattresses and cleaning agents were kept and was housed in the same building as the church toilet.

“It was not a good place to live, but I had nowhere else to go. So, I decided to live in that storeroom,” shared Obuya. “Youth programs were numerous in the church. I would attend the programs until 4 pm, then I would go and sleep in the store.”

A compassionate church member eventually discovered his situation and invited him to live with her family in Lang’ata, providing him with a mattress and basic utensils to restart his life.

Eric later moved to Tassia, sharing a single-room house with a friend. With no furniture or food, they relied on the kindness of a neighbor who provided meals. To sustain himself, Eric ventured into selling carrier bags, earning a modest profit of Ksh 100–200 daily.

The Spark of Content Creation

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric, then known as MC Deadly, began his content creation journey.

His dream of becoming a radio broadcaster led him to Milele FM in 2021, where he approached presenter Alex Mwakideu, a personal idol. “I joined a group of youths who were waiting for Mwakideu outside the gates of DSM place,” shared Obuya. “When I saw Alex, I approached him and explained to him that I was interested in working at Milele FM as a radio presenter and sought his advice.”

Predictably, Mwakideu cited Obuya’s inexperience in the media industry and explained to him that it would be very hard for him to be hired as an inexperienced presenter. Instead, he advised him to focus on content creation, create a name for himself, and then try his luck.

This encounter planted the seed for Eric’s content creation career.

Lacking a phone, he collaborated with another creator, providing ideas for skits that were shot and posted using the partner’s device. For eight months, he borrowed phones to create, edit, and post content, growing his social media accounts one follower at a time.

Rise to Fame as MC Exodus

In 2021, Eric opened his own TikTok account under the name MC Exodus. His skits, often reflecting everyday Kenyan struggles with humor, quickly gained traction.

By 2023, a viral collaboration with another content creator landed him an advertising job, enabling him to purchase his first phone. This milestone allowed him to create content independently, and his follower count soared to 240,000 on TikTok.

By 2025, MC Exodus’s content had gone viral, amassing over one million TikTok followers and tens of thousands on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Today, his efforts have paid off as he has carved a career out of content creation. “I have started earning from my content, as it feeds my family, pays our rent, and clothes us,” shared the soon-to-be father of one.

His dream is to establish a production company that creates short films celebrating Kenyan culture.

Early Life

Born and raised in Kenya, Njonjo exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. In high school, he started his first business by restructuring the sale of bread to fellow students. He would purchase all the bread from the school canteen and resell it directly to students in their dormitories for a small service fee, showcasing his talent for identifying and solving market inefficiencies.

Education

The businessman pursued higher education at the United States International University(USIU) in Kenya, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business Administration.

He advanced his education with a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and completed an Executive Leadership Program at the prestigious Harvard Business School.

He is also a Certified Public Accountant, underscoring his strong foundation in finance and management.

Career

Njonjo joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1998 as an accountant and swiftly rose to lead its East Africa business, overseeing six countries, including Kenya. He managed over $1 billion (Kshs 129.2 billion) in investments and restructured the region’s distribution network.

Njonjo also led bottling mergers and acquisitions across the region and was part of the global team that established Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the continent’s largest Coca-Cola bottler.

Njonjo’s tenure at Coca-Cola peaked with his appointment as President of the West and Central Africa Business Unit, where he oversaw operations in 33 countries.

In this role, he spearheaded major initiatives, including the $550 million (Kshs 71 billion) acquisition of Chi Beverages Nigeria.

Twiga Foods

In 2014, recognizing the challenges in Africa’s agricultural supply chains, Njonjo co-founded Twiga Foods with his business partner Grant Brooke.

Twiga Foods was a groundbreaking venture, founded to streamline produce distribution by leveraging a technology-driven B2B platform. It connects farmers directly with vendors, minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring fair pricing.

Under his leadership, Twiga Foods expanded its network to include over 4,000 farmers and more than 35,000 vendors across Kenya.

In 2019, Njonjo left Coca-Cola to become Twiga Foods’ CEO, dedicating himself to expanding the startup. His leadership attracted major investments and partnerships, cementing Twiga’s role in Africa’s agribusiness sector.

In 2022, Twiga Foods became the first company to secure funding from the Hustler Fund, receiving Kshs 300 million to scale farmer mobilization, enhance capacity building, and develop local infrastructure.

However, in 2024, Njonjo stepped down as CEO, choosing to transition from chief executive to shareholder. He stated that this move would enable Twiga Foods to pursue its next growth phase following a successful fundraising, in which he was also a top investor.

Controversial Divorce

In February 2025, reports emerged that the prominent businessman and his wife, Tina, a lawyer and former head of legal at Safaricom, were headed for divorce.

The proceedings have become contentious, with Tina’s friend and city lawyer Donald Kipkorir, accusing former Director of Public Prosecutions Philip Murgor, who represents Njonjo, of unethical conduct.

Kipkorir alleges that Murgor compelled Njonjo to swear a false affidavit claiming that Kipkorir attempted to influence the trial magistrate overseeing the divorce case.

Kipkorir has taken legal action against Murgor and Njonjo over their handling of Njonjo’s divorce case. Kipkorir wants Murgor struck off the Roll of Advocates for alleged unethical conduct and Njonjo barred from holding any directorship or employment in any company.

In a public statement, Kipkorir accused Murgor of a “dangerous obsession” and demanded an injunction to stop him from what he calls stalking.

The couple has four children aged between 6 and 17.

Despite the high-profile legal battle and personal drama surrounding his divorce, Njonjo remains one of Kenya’s most revered businessmen. He is recognized as a visionary leader in transforming Africa’s food systems and driving the continent’s economic development.

Early Life

Kauthar grew up in Jericho Estate, Nairobi, where she discovered her passion for acting through church activities, participating in dramatizations of Bible stories.

Education

She began her education at Dr. Krapf Primary School in Maringo, Eastlands, Nairobi, and later attended Shauri Moyo Muslim Secondary School for her high school studies.

Career

Kauthar’s acting journey began in 1999 as a setbook actress at the Kenya National Theatre. In a past interview, she revealed that she earned Kshs 350 per book daily.

She got her onscreen breakthrough on KBC before moving to NTV, where she starred in various local shows.

Her career reached its peak in 2010 when she starred on Citizen TV’s Machachari, a Kenyan comedy-drama that depicted the lives of children growing up in urban Nairobi and their interactions with family, friends, and society.

On the show, she portrayed the mother of Almasi and Joy, two children from an affluent background who often faced challenges fitting in with their counterparts from less privileged parts of the city. Her strict yet relatable persona resonated with viewers, making her a beloved character.

After her time on Machachari, Kauthar continued to thrive in the Kenyan acting scene, starring in various projects such as Midlife Crisis(2020) by filmmaker Zippy Okoth, Volume (2023), and Sungura (2021).

Kauthar is also a skilled dancer, frequently participating in traditional performances.

Personal Life

The actress is a mother to one daughter, Mariam. She has been single since 2016 following the loss of her husband.

In her free time, Kauthar enjoys visiting national parks to observe wildlife and socializing with friends. She is also a fan of Zilizopendwa music.