Imagine going about your usual business and then, all of a sudden, a call that will change your life forever comes through.
A call from a person you probably just see on TV or read about on the newspapers.
A number of media personalities have had such experiences, which they narrated, changed their lives to become what we see.
1.) Felix Odiwuor aka Jalang'o and Kazungu Matano aka Otoyo
Their very first appearance as extras on Papa Shirandula, a show that airs on Citizen TV, earned them a call from Royal Media Services MD Wachira Waruru.
In an interview on Hot 96 in 2017, Jalang'o narrated that he and Otoyo had wanted to be part of the show for a long time and persistently asked Jackie Nyaminde aka Wilbroda to help them.
Hence, when they were finally called in as extras by Charles Bukeko, known to many as Papa Shirandula, they were disappointed but played the part so well, they left the crew in stitches.
Immediately after the show was aired, both Jalang'o and Otoyo got a call from Waruru.
"He told us that we were amazing people and we would not leave the program," Jalang'o disclosed.
That is how their careers were kickstarted. Jalang'o is currently a show presenter at Milele FM while Otoyo is a renowned comedian.
2.) Millicent Omanga
Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga is one who was literally going about her bedsheet business when a call that would launch her political career started.
Omanga was buying bedsheets at Kings Collection in Nairobi when she was called by former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir, a close ally of DP Ruto.
"We have an AGM tomorrow for KenGen and you have been chosen to be one of the directors," Chirchir stated.
This marked the dawn of a new chapter in her life that would end in a political career.
3.) Abel Mutua
The renowned actor is known for his cheeky character on Tahidi High, a show that still airs on Citizen TV.
After working for several years on the show, Mutua quit. He would later script Sue and Johnnie on Maisha Magic.
However, when the series came to an end, Mutua took the time off scripting and one day, as he was in his house, he got an unexpected call.
"I was just chilling at home when I heard my phone ringing. On checking on who was calling, I realised it was Sylvia Mulinge.
"Let us pose for a moment, there might be some people who do not understand the impact that the name Sylvia Mulinge has in Kenya. She is one of the most important people in Kenya," Mutua narrated.
The Safaricom COO told Mutua that she wanted him to be part of the Safaricom Twaweza project.
Mutua was then recruited as a content creator in the show.
4.) DJ Shiti
Popular comedian Steven Oduor Dede alias DJ Shiti was in his hometown when he got a call from Comedian Lawrence Macharia, better known as Terence Creative, to perform on Churchill show.
Shiti, who was the breadwinner in his family, took the chance and travelled to Nairobi. His stay was tough as he was homeless and sought refuge from prostitutes.
However, he got a breakthrough in his career and Shiti is one of the most renowned comedians in the country.
5.) Ann Waiguru
Waiguru's call came in form of an announcement on television by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The now embattled Kirinyaga Governor had applied for the position of Devolution and Planning PS when the president appointed her as the CS in 2013.
"I was very shocked, then overwhelmed of course. Very many things go through your mind," she said of her reaction to the offer.
"First of all will you pass the interview, because when you are being considered for a job it does not necessarily mean you will get it," she narrated.
Waiguru is now a governor in Kirinyaga and an ardent supporter of the president.
