Renowned media personality, entrepreneur, and Member of Parliament Gathoni Wa Muchomba was among the first female radio presenters in vernacular stations.
She is known for working at Inooro FM and Kameme FM where she hosted different prime-time shows before joining politics.
Gathoni Wa Muchomba, born Peninah Gathoni Muchomba, worked alongside other beloved vernacular radio presenters like Peninah Muthoni Mbugua alias PM Squared.
In a past interview, the MP detailed her rise from poverty to fame and worked as a teacher aged 17 after high school earning Ksh4,870 a month at some point.
She disclosed that her school life was accompanied by business ventures from opening salons, selling cosmetics, rearing pigs, and washing clothes among others.
"I remember when I was in school, we did not have much. My school shoes were torn and I went several days without lunch but I was focused on building a better life for myself and my family," she stated.
The former presenter was also among the top candidates in the Kenya Certificate of Primary School Education (KCPE) in her district, Githunguri.
Wamuchomba describes herself as resilient, hardworking, business-oriented, and optimistic all through her life.
While studying at Komothai Girls School, she got a sponsorship from a Japanese national who paid for her fees as well as offered her a place to live with her family.
"One time, they came to our school and everyone had to be called for an impromptu parade. They had brought me a lot of shopping and left Ksh120,000 for my university fee," she recalled.
The presenter was selected to study nursing at the University of Nairobi before she began her career in media by producing vernacular content for stations like the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
"Most of the programs I started at Inooro FM are still running to date, including Canjamuka, Mugambo Wa Murimi among others," the presenter stated.
Wa Muchomba served as the Kiambu Women Representative between 2017 and 2022 and currently serves as the Githunguri Member of Parliament. She hopes to become president at age 60.
