Why Kanda Bongo Man was ordered to leave Kenya in 1991 - Machoka

Decades later, media personality Fred Obachi Machoka has revealed what led to the cancellation of the much-awaited performance.

According to Machoka, a friend of Kanda Bongo Man and the master of ceremonies at the show, there was more to the viral allegations about the reasons for the concert cancellation.

Unverified claims have long indicated that the musician was in a relationship with a female TV star in Kenya. It has further been alleged that former late President Daniel Moi also had interest in the media personality. 

This, therefore, was fronted as a reason for the cancellation of the show, after an alleged displeasure by the former Head of State. 

Kanda Bongo Man arrived in Kenya in April 1991 and performed at several major venues, including Carnivore Grounds, Bomas of Kenya, KICC and Nyayo Stadium, drawing large crowds of fans.

During his performance at Nyayo Stadium, he attracted high-end people, including the late George Saitoti, and the event was filled with over 40, 000 fans. Alongside him was prominent Kikuyu musician Joseph Kamaru.

However, things changed when he was scheduled to perform at the New Stanley Hotel, shortly after his Nyayo Stadium performance.

According to Machoka, Kanda Bongo Man was allegedly approached by the late Hezekiah Oyugi, the Chief Secretary for Internal Security under the late former President Moi.

He requested the singer to perform at one of his child’s private wedding in Migori. Kanda Bongo Man, however, did not agree, saying he does not do private shows. 

He instead suggested they hire fellow Congolese musician Tshala Muana, who happened to be in the country at that time.

“So he said Tshala Muana could go instead because Tshala Muana happened to be in town. So I think Oyugi felt slighted, and because he was close to the president, he used his power to cancel that show," Machoka said in an interview with Mic Cheque podcast.

According to Machoka, Oyugi chose to use his power to cancel the show. 

“When I just was preparing Kanda Bongo Man in his room, I got downstairs and they said I cancel that show. I asked  who has authorized, they said order from above, and people were seated," said the Roga Roga host. 

According to Machoka, the police officers said the instructions to cancel the show were an “order from above”.

Machoka said he refused to announce the cancellation, asking the police to do it themselves.

The organizers had to refund the money as Kanda Bongo Man was instructed to leave the country within 24 hours.

“They told Kanda Bongo Man ‘you will have to move out within 24 hours, in fact, you should go out now’,” Machoka said.

Since there was no airline to France at that moment, the police supervised Kanda Bongo Man’s stay at the hotel until the following day when he left the country.

On October 10, 2026, the Rhumba Maestro will be hosting a flashback fiesta to commemorate50 legendary years in the broadcasting industry. A massive international golden jubilee concert will be held at Ulinzi Sports Complex, featuring renowned Rhumba stars including Koffi Olomide, Mbilia Bel, and Sam Fan Thomas.

Tickets can be purchased on Viutickets using this link: Machoka concert ticket