Behind the success of Coro FM Radio presenter, Githuki wa Nyokabi is his unusual story as a morgue attendant in Naivasha and Thika.
As he struggled to raise funds to cater to his university education and pursue a career in journalism, he was introduced to the mortuary.
His long walk to the studio included working in neighboring Uganda as a salesperson for women's outfits.
Githuki also sold moles to the University of Nairobi (UoN) for practical lessons, a lucrative business venture introduced to him by his uncle.
Speaking to Monica Kagoni on a show dubbed Metha ya Kagoni, the journalist recounted the unusual side hustle that left him despised by society.
"I joined the morgue as a photographer. To take paparazzi photos of family members, how they were dressed, and who cried the most. I would then sell the photos to the family members," he added.
Despite the initial shock, the journalist embraced his hustle, adding that working at the morgue was a good experience.
"Working on dead bodies is the best, they do not correct you if you make a mistake. Neither do they interrupt you while working nor will they judge you. It was a good experience," Githuki recounted.
Addressing the rumours that morgue attendants use drugs to get through the day, Gichuki stated he only used energy drinks.
"I used energy drinks in my work in case the body came to life. This never occurred but there were bodies that cried," he stated.
His lowest moment in this line of work was when a childhood friend who died in an accident was brought in by the police. This experience scarred and haunted Gichuki.
The desire to pursue journalism saw him transition from the mortuary and joined Mt Kenya University in Thika, Kiambu county.
"I had at least Ksh400,000 from my hustle when I left Naivasha for Mt Kenya University in Thika, Kiambu county," he recalled.
At the university, he kept a low profile when he joined another morgue in Thika to earn some money for upkeep.
"Some of my university friends learnt about my job and I recruited two of them. After the news spread, others started to avoid me," he explained.
After being iced out by his college mates, Gichuki decided to quit his job and venture into other businesses. It was a struggle since he did not make as much as he did ‘pampering’ the dead.
"My grandfather told me money does not indicate its source and I should continue with my job at the mortuary and ignore the naysayers," he recalled.
Despite hanging the boots in 2017, Gichuki noted that he conducted the service from time to time, especially during the pandemic.
The journalist currently hosts a show on Coro FM, dubbed Saturday Part-time from 2 pm to 5 pm. On weekdays, he reads the news.
He added that in his free time, he sings at entertainment joints. Coro FM is owned by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
