Nairobi News

TV personality and funnyman Dr Kingori has narrated his inspiring journey to success and fame.

The brains behind NTV’s The Wicked Edition spoke candidly at the Engage series where he narrated how his late friend gave him a lifeline in reviving his dream.

Kingori, known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary, captivated the audience as he recounted the struggles and triumphs that shaped his career.

His story began when his late friend, Godfrey Okana, extended a helping hand during a challenging time.

After leaving his uncle’s place in Kayole, Kingori found himself without a home. However, Okana invited him to stay in Dandora, where he himself was temporarily accommodated by a cousin.

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Reflecting on those days, Kingori revealed, “I was a type 2 refugee, hosted second hand. But Godfrey’s cousin, who was also facing her own financial struggles, never complained. She selflessly provided a roof over my head for as long as I stayed at her house.”

As months passed, Kingori’s determination to succeed in the world of comedy grew stronger. One day, he learned about a comedy competition, but due to a ban on stand-up acts, he couldn’t perform as an individual at the competition.

“I was like, okay before I give up, I just need to do one more thing. Why don’t I go attend this show
as an audience member to get the impression of what other people feel when they watch me on stage. I didn’t have anything, so I walked to the location.”

Undeterred by the 14-kilometre walk from Dandora to the TV station’s location behind Safari Park, Kingori sat in the audience.

To his surprise, the show’s producer recognized him and invited him to collaborate with his friend JB Masanduku to create a skit for the show.

He said, “JB and I met under the rain to rehearse, we didn’t focus so much on winning we just wanted to do our best. We were hoping to make an impression.”

Kingori’s talent and dedication shone through, and that day, among ten groups, he and Masanduku emerged as winners.

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Recalling the significance of that moment, Kingori emphasized, “That decision to attend the show bridged the gap between hope and despair. It marked a turning point in my journey and opened doors to countless opportunities.”

However, success didn’t come overnight. Kingori faced three more challenging years, enduring financial struggles and countless phone calls from his concerned mother, who questioned his choices. But Kingori persevered, constantly convincing his mother that he was on the right path, even when it seemed uncertain.

Then, one day, the breakthrough came. Kingori’s long-standing dedication paid off when he appeared on a full-page feature in a newspaper. Excitedly calling his mother, he asked if she had seen the article. To his amusement, she responded, “Yes, I’ve seen you, but you couldn’t have gotten a better belt.”

With time, Kingori’s success grew, and he became the host of the longest-running weekly comedy show on Kenyan TV. The immense pride and joy he brought to his mother’s life transformed her perception of his career, referring to him as “Dr. Kingori.”

Reflecting on his journey, Kingori concluded, “I cannot forget the desperate situation I once faced. Postponing the decision to give up marked every subsequent phone call I received. It was about believing in myself even when things looked bleak.”

He added,  “If you’re not happy where you are, is it possible to postpone giving up one more time to see what the future holds?”

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