By Isaac Blessings
Machachari was a local drama Television series that aired every Wednesday on Citizen TV. The first show aired in late 2010 and for the next ten years, Kenyans enjoyed the hilarious show that was dominated by young cast characters.
The show came to a sudden end in September 2019 after Citizen TV cancelled the its production.
Since then, Kenyans have wondered, where did the actors we had watched for a decade end up? Worry no more because, in this article, WoK highlights the hustles and bustles of the former Machachari actors.
Tyler Kamau Mbaya – Baha
Tyler Kamau Mbaya was one of the lead characters in the show and played the role of Baha. He joined the show at the age of 6 and portrayed a stubborn, mischievous and cheeky character, often very hilarious.
After the show drew its curtains, Mbaya took his talents to the next best level, the digital space. He boasts 633,000 followers on Instagram.
Mbaya also founded KM Pictures – a company that deals in visual arts and cinematography. Alongside that, he runs a YouTube channel where he uploads short videos and is currently has 86,000 subscribers.
Mbaya He is also the official brand ambassador for Denri Africa.
Malik Lemuel – Govi
Malik Lemuel was also a major character in Machachari and played Baha’s younger brother, Govi. He was the direct opposite of his brother’s character. He was obedient and intelligent.
After the end of the show, Malik moved on with his acting career and has since appeared in several local drama series. He is currently a cast in the famous show ‘Kina’ where he plays the role of Vinnie.
He is huge in the digital space with over 243,000 followers on Instagram and 14,000 subscribers on YouTube. He is also the Managing Director of Cheko Saba Productions – a family company owned by his mother, Suzanne Njoki.
Natasha Wanjiku – Stella
Natasha Wanjiku played the role of Stella in Machachari. She was a disciplined child, focused on her studies despite living in poverty and her parents had marital issues.
Her character inspired many young people that despite the challenges we face in our daily lives, you can still focus to achieve your goals. After the show came to an end in 2019, Wanjiku continued with her acting career and has since featured in a local drama series titled ‘Everyone Dies.’
Brian Kabugi – Kenny
Brian Kabugi played the role of Kenny, Baha and Govi’s friend whom they hang out together. He was a loved character. He is a gifted actor.
After the end of Machachari, Brian took talents to the digital space. He has over 277,000 followers on Instagram and runs a YouTube channel where he uploads short drama shows under the name ‘Midlife crises’. He features other actors. The YouTube channel currently has over 10,500 active subscribers.
Michael Odoyo – Coaches
Michael Odoyo played the role of Coaches. He was a local football coach in the slums as and also Baha and Govi’s father.
After the end of the show, he decided to try his luck in the murky waters of politics. He vied for the Imara Daima Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in the 2017 general elections. He lost to Kennedy Obuya after garnering 2,111 votes only.
Mathew Owiti – Fatso
Mathew Owiti Played the role of Fatso. His character was a bully who took advantage of his huge body to molest other Kids in the area. Baha and Govi occasionally got into trouble with Fatso.
Years later, Owiti is still in the field of acting and also does poetry.
Lukhmar Shapir – Tosh
Lukhmar Shapir played the role Tosh in Machachari. He was a cool, calm and collected boy who loved and protected his younger sister, Joy. He came from a rich family, lived in a mansion but, he occasionally escaped to the slums to hang out with his friends, Govi and Baha.
After Machachari, Shapir became a director and a music producer. He is also a brand ambassador for amhereforyouke – a Community Based Organization (CBO) that helps people struggling with depression and mental health issues.
Ian Wainaina – Almasi
For those who watched the show in its early years, there was a character by the name of Almasi. Ian Wainaina alias Almasi was among the most talented actors in the show. He however, left the program in order to pursue his studies in the United Kingdom.
He joined the School of Bukti situated in Watford city – a school that mainly focuses on spiritual development.
Wanjiku Mburu – Mama Baha
Wanjiku Mburu was the mother to Baha and Govi and also wife to Coaches in the show. Mama Baha was a hardworking mother who worked hard to provide for her family despite her financial situation.
After Machachari, Wanjiku still pursues acting and has been featured in several local drama series.
