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Ken Wa Maria sings his way to MCA nomination


Renowned Kamba Benga maestro Ken Wa Maria has his sights set on the Machakos County Assembly after winning the Matuu Ward Wiper Party ticket.

Wa Maria, official name is Kennedy Wambua Ngonze, was handed the nomination certificate on Tuesday along with other successful nominees.

The Benga artiste founded the Yatta Orchestra band which also featured other famed singers like Ben Mbatha, alias Kativui, the latter breaking away to form his Kyaume Boys Band.

Yatta Orchestra would later evolve to Yatta Boys Band but the ‘boys’ have since grown into men though the name hasn’t changed.

PHOTO | STEPHEN MUTHINI
PHOTO | STEPHEN MUTHINI

Among Wa Maria’s hits is a popular political composition in praise of Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka which is often used for mobilization during political rallies.

The song ‘Ndalili sya Maundu‘ (signs of the times), which he composed in the run up to the 2007 general elections, proclaims Kalonzo as the Presidential choice of the Kamba people and Wiper as their party.

The artiste was once arrested by the Machakos County Government inspectorate as he performed a song that was critical of Governor Alfred Mutua during a demonstration.

It would be interesting to see how he juggles his legislative duties with his music career should he make it to the assembly since he is still actively involved in music.