Veteran Radio Citizen presenter Fred Obachi Machoka, popularly known as “The Blackest Man in Africa,” recently survived a frightening encounter with an urban criminal, highlighting the stubborn wave of opportunist crime in Nairobi. The Roga Roga show host was targeted by a phone-snatching thug right outside the Royal Media Services (RMS) premises.
The alarming incident came to light after his colleague, popular Radio Citizen news anchor Josephat Odipo, surfaced a video clip documenting the near-miss encounter online.
In the undated footage, the iconic broadcaster is seen walking peacefully along the roadside in casual black attire. Within seconds, a suspicious motorist riding a motorcycle passes him, makes a sharp U-turn, and aggressively rides back toward the presenter. The rider’s clear intention was to ambush Machoka and snatch the smartphone out of his hands.
Fortunately, the quick-witted broadcaster anticipated the danger. Machoka reacted swiftly by turning his body away, shielding his device, and effectively ruining the thug’s momentum. Refusing to be a passive victim, the veteran journalist quickly grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it at the fleeing criminal, who sped away empty-handed.
While Machoka escaped unhurt and kept his property, the brazen daylight attempt right outside a major corporate headquarters serves as a stark reminder for all city residents to remain highly vigilant when using mobile devices near busy roads.