Daniel Ndambuki

Daniel Wambua Ndambuki (born 30 October 1977), professionally known as Churchill, is a Kenyan comedian and television host. He is the creator and host of the ''Churchill Show'', a comedy program on NTV Kenya (formerly on TV47), and co-hosts a radio show on Classic 105 with Maina Kageni. He began his career in entertainment in 1996, with ''Churchill Live Comedy Show'' debuting in September 2008. The show was renamed ''Churchill Show'' in 2012 during its third season. In addition to his television career, Churchill presents the ''Chacho Kids Festival'', an event featuring performances and talent for children. He also hosts ''Churchill Crossover'', a New Year's Eve concert.

Early life and career

Churchill was born in Kitui and later moved to Machakos, Kenya. He attended Mumbuni High School and moved to Nairobi in 1990 to live with his uncle. Early in his career, Churchill partnered with comedians KJ, Kajairo, Mdomo Baggy, and Nyambane to create the television comedy show ''Red Kona''. Later, Churchill co-hosted a radio program with Maina Kageni on Classic 105 FM. He was ranked 14th on a list of Kenya's 100 most influential people. In 2024, The Guardian credited Churchill with helping to bring Kenyan stand-up comedy into mainstream entertainment. CNN included him in a 2018 feature on prominent African comedians.

Churchill Show

''The Churchill Show'' is a comedy program that includes interviews with Kenyan personalities, political figures, and individuals from various backgrounds. Some of the show's segments, such as ''Toto's Corner'', have become recognized in Kenyan pop culture. ''The Churchill Show'' has also toured various regions of Kenya, attracting audiences.

Controversies

Criticism of content

Churchill's show has faced criticism regarding some content, which has been considered inappropriate for a family audience. A 2015 study suggested that the show's use of ethnic stereotypes might contribute to negative attitudes toward certain tribal groups and influence cross-ethnic communication.

In response, Patrick Chesi Lumasia said that the show attempts to counter ethnic stereotypes through its multilingual approach, using English, Swahili, and Sheng, and featuring performers from the Kenyan Somali community. He further argued that the show's humour works to challenge traditional patriarchal structures within Kenyan families and portrays young Kenyan women in a way that emphasizes their agency and independence.

Treatment of comedians and crew

Several crew members and comedians who worked on the ''Churchill Show'' have publicly accused Churchill and the show's management of delayed payments or underpayment for their work. These complaints have raised concerns about working conditions, with some performers stating they faced financial difficulties despite the show's success. Churchill responded to these claims on various occasions, but a detailed public statement addressing the allegations has not been widely provided.

The mental health of comedians associated with the ''Churchill Show'' has also received attention, particularly following the deaths of comedians such as Njenga Mswahili, Kasee, and Othuol Othuol, all of whom were connected to the show. Others like Njoro and Paul Ogutu have reportedly sought treatment for alcoholism and depression. Some critics have suggested that the show and its leadership could have provided more support to struggling performers. Churchill and his team have stated that they have made efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues within the comedy community since these incidents, but further substantiation has not been publicly available.

Blackmail attempts

Churchill has publicly shared an experience of being blackmailed internationally. He stated that individuals, allegedly from Nigeria, gained access to sensitive private information and attempted to extort him by threatening to release compromising materials if demands were not met. Churchill shared this experience to raise awareness about cybercrime and blackmail, particularly from cross-border criminals, and to encourage online data protection. He reported taking legal action and called for authorities to enhance measures against cyber-related crimes.

Awards and honors

*2015 OLX SOMA (Social Media Awards)- Overall Personality of The Year.
*2015 Bingwa Music Awards (BMA) – Showbiz Personality Of The Year.
*2014 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards)- Overall Personality of the Year.
*2014 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) –Most influential Media Personality.
*2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Winner Facebook Fan page Of the Year.
*2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Overall Social Media Personality Of The Year.
*2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) - Television Show Of The Year.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ndambuki, Daniel
Kenyan male television actors
Kenyan male comedians
Living people
People from Kitui County