This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Crucial Phone Calls That Changed 6 Media Personalities' Lives ¶
Imagine going about your usual business and then, all of a sudden, a call that will change your life forever comes through. A call from a person you probably just see on TV or read about on the newspapers.
For several media personalities, such calls have been a turning point in their careers. We take a look at six individuals who received life-changing calls that catapulted them to stardom.
1. Felix Odiwuor (Jalang'o) and Kazungu Matano (Otoyo)
Media personalities Felix Odiwuor (Jalang'o) and Kazungu Matano (Otoyo) got their big break after being called by Royal Media Services MD Wachira Waruru. They had initially auditioned for a role on Papa Shirandula, a show that airs on Citizen TV.
"He told us that we were amazing people and we would not leave the program," Jalang'o disclosed in an interview on Hot 96 in 2017.
Today, Jalang'o is a show presenter at Milele FM, while Otoyo is a renowned comedian.
2. Millicent Omanga
Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga's life took a dramatic turn when she received a call from former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir. She was buying bedsheets at Kings Collection in Nairobi when Chirchir informed her that she had been chosen to be a director at KenGen.
"We have an AGM tomorrow for KenGen and you have been chosen to be one of the directors," Chirchir stated.
Omanga's appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life that would eventually lead to a political career.
3. Abel Mutua
Renowned actor Abel Mutua's career took a new turn when he received a call from Safaricom COO Sylvia Mulinge. He had quit his job as a scriptwriter for Tahidi High and was taking time off when Mulinge called him to be part of the Safaricom Twaweza project.
"I was just chilling at home when I heard my phone ringing. On checking on who was calling, I realised it was Sylvia Mulinge. "Let us pose for a moment, there might be some people who do not understand the impact that the name Sylvia Mulinge has in Kenya. She is one of the most important people in Kenya," Mutua narrated.
4. DJ Shiti
Popular comedian Steven Oduor Dede alias DJ Shiti received a call from Comedian Lawrence Macharia, better known as Terence Creative, to perform on Churchill show. He was in his hometown when he got the call and took the chance, traveling to Nairobi despite being homeless.
However, he got a breakthrough in his career and Shiti is now one of the most renowned comedians in the country.
5. Ann Waiguru
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru's life took a dramatic turn when she received a call from President Uhuru Kenyatta. She had applied for the position of Devolution and Planning PS when the president appointed her as the CS in 2013.
"I was very shocked, then overwhelmed of course. Very many things go through your mind," she said of her reaction to the offer.
Waiguru is now a governor in Kirinyaga and an ardent supporter of the president.
