Kenyan entertainer and comedian Oga Obinna has opened up about a missed opportunity that could have elevated his career in radio broadcasting. Speaking candidly, Obinna revealed that he was originally set to replace Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, on Hot 96’s morning show alongside veteran broadcaster Jeff Koinange—but things took a different turn after he pushed for a high salary.
In an interview on Hot 96, Obinna said he had passed the initial audition phase and believed he had secured the co-hosting gig. At the time, Jalang’o had exited the show to pursue politics, leaving a coveted spot open. A group of notable personalities was brought in to audition for the role, including Dr. Ofweneke, Chipukeezy, and Prof Hamo.
“Jalas had just left, so they brought a bunch of us over here. Myself, Ofweneke, Chipukeezy, Prof Hamo—basically the whole shebang. We each did about two or three days on air with Jeff, and I thought I had won,” Obinna recalled.
The Salary Negotiation That Changed Everything
After feeling confident about his chances, Obinna began salary negotiations with the station. Coming from a previous job where he earned KSh 120,000, he sought advice from fellow comedian and radio personality Captain Otoyo. Otoyo advised him to benchmark his offer against what Jalang’o was earning—reportedly around KSh 1 million.
“Otoyo told me, don’t ask for one million like Jalas, but don’t go too low either. Ask for somewhere in between,” said Obinna.
Taking the advice, Obinna decided to start negotiations at KSh 700,000 with the hope of settling at around KSh 500,000. However, when asked what salary he expected, Obinna told the station to make him an offer first.
“Nikawaambia, you guys can tell me what you’re working with then we can negotiate. That was a mistake. Ukiwai ambia mtu hivo, toka mbio!” he joked.
Believing that the deal was sealed, Obinna waited for his official start date—only to be shocked when he tuned in and heard Prof Hamo’s voice on the show with Jeff Koinange.
“I Thought I Had the Job, Then I Heard Hamo”
The revelation left Obinna stunned. “Monday came, and boom—Hamo was in the studio with Jeff,” he said. The incident was a reality check for Obinna and a lesson in the unpredictable nature of media contracts.
Career Setbacks and Public Walkouts
This isn’t the first time Obinna has made headlines over a media-related fallout. Just recently, he walked out of a live interview at Baze 47 after being asked about his ongoing feud with fellow comedian Mulamwah. Obinna requested a shift in the line of questioning, but when the presenter insisted, he exited the studio abruptly.
A Lesson in Negotiation and Timing
Despite the missed opportunity, Obinna remains philosophical about the experience. Many fans have taken to social media to share their support, noting that sometimes, missing out on certain roles leads to even better ones.
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been,” one commenter wrote.
Now one of Kenya’s top media personalities and digital influencers, Obinna continues to make his mark in the entertainment world—and with lessons like these under his belt, he’s clearly learned that in media, timing and negotiation are everything.
