THE CORNER KICK | How KBC Failed Mzee Ojwang’ Even To The Grave

Even on the final day that Mzee Ojwang Hatari lay in his casket, KBC proved that it had nothing to do with the man who diligently served the national broadcaster for over 30 years.

Mzee Ojwang Hatari was a renowned individual in Kenya and beyond thanks to the role he played in pioneering comedy and acting through the Vitimbi show that aired on KBC for over 3 decades.

It was after he left Vitimbi that it was alleged that the entire crew had been sent parking without compensation. The story was cast further into the limelight on the day Mzee Ojwang fell sick, requiring the help of Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and other well-wishers to get medication that restored his sight.

His woes did not end here. Mzee Ojwang continued to fall ill, with revelations about his abjection taking centre-stage, casting KBC further into the limelight.

Mzee Ojwang’s casket at the Nyayo National stadium

Many blasted the national broadcaster for the mistreatment. Despite the fact that blogger Robert Alai came out blazing and blaming Mzee Ojwang for being a spendthrift, it is evident that KBC had no Mzee Ojwang and the Vitimbi crew at heart.

This manifested itself yesterday during the burial of the legendary comedian.

Senator Mike Sonko revealed something: KBC is responsible for the woes that befell Mzee Ojwang. So Alai was lying. Information CS Fred Matiang’I also lied when he said KBC had compensated Mzee Ojwang and his colleagues.

I want to side with Senator Mike Sonko that KBC mistreated the Vitimbi crew. And I saw this yesterday.

For a man who has worked with you, brought you ratings and massive viewership through his ever entertaining skills, he deserved more than just sending a cameraman and a reporter to Nyayo National for the burial ceremony.

I noticed with great concern that it was only KTN that was airing Mzee Ojwang’s funeral service live. Very appalling to note that KBC did not consider airing the ceremony live. Very appalling.

This is the only justice the national broadcaster could have done to Mzee Ojwang now that it allegedly failed to compensate him amicably.

Comedian Churchill in somber mood as he follows proceedings at Mzee Ojwang’s funeral service

You don’t ignore a servant who has been with you through thick and thin all along. This sheds bad light on you and probably explains why no one cares about KBC anymore.

This is the reason why viewership has shifted sharply to other channels. You don’t mistreat your servant even to the grave.

It would have cost KBC nothing if it considered having their OB van at the stadium for the service. At least if they had no fuel Ojwang’s casket was taken to the National Theatre which is right adjacent to KBC. They should have aired it live from there.

KBC stooped low on this and I think it owes Ojwang’s family, friends and fans a  big apology. If not, we are always spoilt for options.