Kameme FM radio presenter Washington Gathuki Kinyua, popularly known as Gathuki Mundu Wakasungula has reminisced about his journey in the media industry that began at Royal Media Services (RMS) in 2006.
Speaking during an online interview show, Gathuki revealed that he first joined RMS as an IT attaché for three months since that was his area of specialisation.
"Initially, I helped people with their laptops and some switched them off without knowing and I had to switch them back on. This made me question how long I was willing to do that job," he narrated.
During the three-month period, he sensed opportunities flying around at the Dennis Pritt-based media house and decided to seize the opportunity. When the window presented itself, he talked to a senior manager about showcasing his talents. He didn't disappoint and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
He later got a chance to be a voice-over artist and his new career in the media industry kicked off.
The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) graduate stated that even with his IT training, he always harboured a passion for journalism.
He emphasised that his talent has propelled him to great heights including commentating on the 2010 World Cup hosted in South Africa.
"When talent works hard it beats hard work. I encourage the youth to be honest with themselves when pursuing a career to ascertain if they have the talent before rushing to pursue a Ph.D.," he advised.
Gathuki later got a chance to audition for a job at Radio Africa after numerous failed attempts and got the job after one interview.
At the media stable based in Westlands, he worked as a sports journalist for Radio Jambo. At times he filled in as a stand-in presenter for Kiss 100 and Classic 105 and got the opportunity to work alongside popular journalists such as Carol Radull and Maina Kageni.
He further revealed that his move to Mediamax was primarily influenced by his political stance, as the media house had strict policies on political news coverage.
"When I heard the fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta was buying Media Max, I decided to move. When he was sworn into office in 2013, I had shifted to media house," he recalled.
This decision sparked mixed reactions, with many urging him to return to Radio Jambo. Initially, he joined Milele FM, but his ultimate goal was to be part of the vernacular station, Kameme FM, where he eventually found his place.
Over time, Gathuki has become a well-known figure, describing himself as a presenter, commentator, and sports editor.
Looking ahead, he has expressed his plans to further establish himself in the media industry and also pursue investments in real estate and pineapple farming.
