Veteran TV journalist Fridah Mwaka has spoken candidly about the costly offers she turned down at the start of her broadcasting career — including a KSh 2.5 million car and even a house.
In a revealing interview on February 23 with media personality Oga Obinna, the Swahili news anchor said the proposals came from well-connected men at a time when she was still establishing herself in the newsroom. Though the gifts were tempting, she chose to walk away, saying her reputation mattered more.
The Car She Refused
Mwaka recalled an incident around 2017 when she was commuting to work along Mombasa Road. It had rained heavily, and she was drenched on her way to the station. Later, someone reached out with what sounded like a generous solution — a brand-new car.
At the time, she did not own a vehicle. The offer included a visit to a dealership and the freedom to select any car worth up to KSh 2.5 million.
“It was alluring,” she admitted. “But I had to ask myself why someone would do that for me.”
Instead of picking a car, Mwaka left the meeting and took a cab home.
A House Also on the Table
The car was not the only grand gesture. In the same conversation, she revealed that another individual once offered to buy her a house. She declined that as well.
Her reasoning was consistent: gifts of that magnitude rarely come without expectations.
“If someone wants to buy me something, I have to ask: why? What do you want in return?” she said.
For Mwaka, accepting such offers would have created obligations that could compromise her independence — especially in a profession that demands credibility and public trust.
A Career Built on Discipline
Born in Mombasa and raised in Kilifi County, Mwaka has spent more than a decade building her name in Kenyan media. She is currently a news anchor at NTV Kenya, where she presents Swahili bulletins and contributes to human-interest reporting.
Her journey has not been accidental. Colleagues describe her as disciplined and consistent — qualities that have helped her stand out in a competitive industry where visibility often attracts powerful networks.
Kenya’s media space is closely intertwined with politics and business. Anchors, particularly women, often find themselves navigating attention that goes beyond professional admiration. Mwaka’s revelations shed light on a reality many rarely discuss openly.
The Pressure Behind the Glamour
Television may appear glamorous, but public figures frequently face subtle pressure from influential individuals seeking proximity or favour. Expensive gifts can easily blur ethical lines.
In Kenya’s context, where media credibility is constantly scrutinised, even the perception of impropriety can damage a journalist’s standing.
By turning down both a car and a house, Mwaka said she was protecting not just her image but also her long-term career. Independence, she suggested, cannot be negotiated.
Addressing Rumours
The interview also touched on persistent online speculation about her relationship with co-anchor Lofty Matambo.
Mwaka reiterated that their bond is strictly professional. The two work closely at NTV Kenya, and their on-screen chemistry has often fuelled rumours. Both have consistently dismissed claims of a romantic relationship.
For her, such distractions are secondary to the responsibility of delivering credible news.
Why This Conversation Matters
Mwaka’s disclosure has sparked debate among Kenyan audiences about ethics, influence, and boundaries in media. While some argue such matters should remain private, others believe speaking out helps young professionals understand the realities behind the scenes.
Her stance offers a broader lesson: success in media is not only about visibility but also about the decisions made when no cameras are rolling.
In a digital era where journalists are also public personalities, the line between professional opportunity and personal compromise can be thin. Mwaka’s experience highlights the importance of drawing that line clearly.