During the Churchill Show’s Last Laugh edition, friends, family, and fans gathered at Nairobi’s Carnivore Simba Salon for an emotionally charged evening in honour of the late artist Fredrick Omondi.
However, the occasion took a dramatic turn when programme presenter Churchill, real name Daniel Ndambuki, requested Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to address the audience. The sports minister was received with jeers and boos from the crowd.
Namwamba’s appearance at the ceremony was overshadowed by the current public outrage over the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which is being debated by the National Assembly before being signed by the President.
The CS began his address: “Hello creatives… I’m here to join you to pay very special tribute to this special Kenyan.”
Immediately, heckling and booing began.
The CS, however, continued: “I have come here with some officers from the Ministry who are in the creative department. I want to ask them to come here and say something.” The jeers grew louder, prompting Churchill to intervene, but his efforts were futile.
“Hold it… hold it… hold it… Asante… Nimewasikia… Hold it… It’s okay… We are doing this for Fred…,” Churchill frantically attempted to calm the charged crowd, which at this moment burst into “Ruto must go! Ruto must go!” chants.
Even attempts by the DJ to play music could not subdue the undeterred crowd, which had earlier this week mounted a historic protest against the unpopular Finance Bill 2024.
Namwamba, attempting to put on a brave face in the face of the outright rejection, picked up the microphone and addressed the audience, only to add more fuel to the fire.
He said: “We recognize and appreciate that energy. But we shall pay respect to Fredrick Omondi tonight. And whether you make noise, I say we live in an amazing country where everyone has a right to say their bit. Asanteni sana. Keep cheering, keep booing. Keep saying no as others say yes. But I want to assure creatives today, for a long time our industry has been ignored and has not been given sufficient attention.”
His remarks, perceived as adding salt to the injury, only served to anger the crowd further. They would not even listen as show host Churchill announced that Cabinet Secretary Namwamba had donated Ksh.300,000 at the event in honor of Fredrick Omondi.
Churchill took back the microphone as Namwamba exited the stage with his head down.
The show, dedicated to raising funds and celebrating the life of Omondi, who tragically passed away in a road accident last Saturday, saw an outpouring of love and grief from attendees.
