Veteran comedian and media personality Walter Mong’are, better known by his stage name Nyambane, has opened up about one of the most expensive and unforgettable moments of his media career – a lawsuit involving firebrand politician Martha Karua that cost him and fellow broadcaster Caroline Mutoko a staggering KSh 21 million.
Speaking during an interview on the Tubonge Podcast hosted by Chris The Bass, Mong’are revisited his days at Kiss 100 FM where he co-hosted the morning show alongside Caroline Mutoko. He recalled how a heated on-air exchange ended up dragging them into the corridors of justice.
“Caroline and I were on air one morning, and I think she was very upset with Martha Karua. Whatever happened that morning, I never said anything that would get me to the corridors of justice, but Martha Karua sued us and we paid her KSh 21 million,” Nyambane narrated.
The comedian emphasized that, although he personally did not make any defamatory remarks, both he and Mutoko were sued individually. He described the ordeal as a painful yet eye-opening moment. “I told her to let it go, but the damage was done. It was like taking a bullet for your partner,” he reflected.
Despite the bitter fallout, Nyambane revealed that his relationship with Karua later normalized. Today, he occasionally meets her to discuss national issues, though he has never revisited the lawsuit during their conversations.
Nyambane first shot to fame as part of the Redykyulass comedy trio in the late 1990s, alongside Tony Njuguna and John Kiarie (KJ). The group became household names through their political satire, famously impersonating high-ranking leaders including the President, while shedding light on social and political issues with sharp wit.
After leaving the stage, Mong’are transitioned into public service, most notably serving as Youth Advisor to President Uhuru Kenyatta between 2017 and 2022. His latest revelation highlights not just the high stakes of media freedom and accountability but also the heavy price public figures sometimes pay for their words.
