This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, a video of a man reporting in Kiswahili on an event in Nairobi went viral on social media platforms, leaving many impressed with his news anchoring skills.
Namuasi Nyongesa, a security guard, delivered a confident and fluent report, sparking a floodgate of comments.
His presentation was impeccable, and his confidence shone through as he spoke on a conference held by Kiswahili scholars on how to ensure the language is valued.
However, a closer look at the video revealed that Nyongesa was not a professional journalist, but rather a security guard with a hidden talent.
It turned out that Nyongesa had first shared the video in 2013, seeking support to achieve his dream of becoming a journalist.
"This is a talent I have. Kindly expose this to the avenues of essence so that I realise my dream," he posted on September 19, 2013.
Although the buzz did not result in a job offer from a mainstream media house, the video continues to inspire Kenyans due to Nyongesa's desire to make the most of his talents.
