Known for his infectious energy and bubbly personality, Gathuki Mundu, a.k.a Wakasungula, has become one of the most beloved sports commentators on Kikuyu radio airwaves.
Surprisingly, despite his successful media career, Gathuki has never seen the inside of a journalism class.
From an IT intern to one of the biggest names in the Kenyan media industry, this is his journey as told by WoK:
Background
Born Washington Gathuki Kinyua Nyambura, Gathuki Mundu hails from Kandara, Murang’a County. He attended primary school there before moving to Nyeri for his high school education.
It was during his time in high school that Gathuki’s musical talent surfaced, leading to the exhilarating experience of having one of his songs played on the radio for the first time in 1999.
He then proceeded to Jomo Kenyatta University to pursue a degree in computer engineering and technology, which he completed in 2006.
Radio stardom
Gathuki kick-started his career as an intern at Royal Media’s Inooro FM in the IT department.
However, driven by his passion for journalism, he convinced the then-head of Inooro FM, Zullu Thiong’o, to give him an opportunity as a voice-over artist and presenter.
His tenure on the airwaves began with a late-night show he co-hosted alongside Jeff Kuria.
It was during his time at Inooro FM that he pioneered the renowned Ngogoyo show, now hosted by Kamau wa Kangethe.
Notably, it was also at this time that he earned his nickname ‘Gathuki Mundu,’ (loosely translating to ‘a tree stump that resembles a person’) from a fellow presenter.
Around that time, Radio Africa Group started a new radio station, the now popular Radio Jambo. Gathuki seized the opportunity and applied to work as a sports journalist at the station.
This move allowed him to work with well-known personalities such as Carol Radull and Maina Kageni and even led to him commentating the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where he earned the nickname Wakasungula from one of the players.
He also worked as a stand-in presenter at Kiss 100 and Classic 105, co-hosting sports shows on Saturdays.
Kameme FM
In 2013, Gathuki joined Media Max-owned Milele FM and actively participated in campaigning for former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
After Milele FM underwent a reshuffle, the father of four was posted as a permanent presenter at Media Max-owned Kameme FM.
There, he became renowned as a sports commentator, juggling between Kameme, Milele FM, and K24 TV.
Currently, Gathuki hosts the Saturday afternoon Nyama Choma mix show on Kameme FM, cohosting alongside DJ Jay 254.
He also hosts another show dubbed Zilizopendwa on Sunday afternoons, where, alongside Dj Jay, he brings the Kikuyu music of the past back to life.
Aside from his radio career, Gathuki is a much sought-after Master of Ceremonies and a musician. He has done collaborations with notable Kikuyu musicians, including Sammy K.
