From A Preacher To Media Star: Education, Career And Wealth of Oga Obina

Few Kenyan entertainers can claim to wear as many hats—and wear them as well—as Oga Obinna. Born Steve Thompson Maghana, the outspoken media personality, comedian, YouTuber, and brand ambassador has carved a niche in Kenya’s vibrant entertainment industry, all while juggling fatherhood, social advocacy, and business.

Obinna’s story reads like a modern-day fable of grit and grind. Born in Maseno on the outskirts of Kisumu County, he is the son of a Luo father and a Nigerian Igbo mother. Raised in a staunch Christian household, Obinna began his journey preaching alongside his father, but a fallout in his teens saw him leave home in 2009 with little more than faith in his future.

“I sold my phone to buy a bus ticket to Nairobi,” he has often said, recalling how he slept hungry for days before landing his first gigs in the city.

What followed was a slow and steady climb through the ranks of Kenya’s entertainment landscape. Obinna began as a dancehall artist performing in clubs under the alias “Mjeezey.” His comedy career took off when he began getting paid for stage performances—turning laughter into a livelihood.

He soon caught the attention of radio stations. His on-air talent earned him slots at QFM and later Easy FM (now Nation FM), where he co-hosted shows like Vuka na Style and Homerun. Obinna would eventually rise to national fame as the co-host of Kiss 100’s breakfast show alongside Kamene Goro in 2022. Though his contract ended in 2023, his radio persona left an indelible mark.

Beyond the microphone, Obinna is a digital force. His YouTube platforms—Obinna TV and Obinna TV Extra—have garnered thousands of subscribers with a mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and family content. He also co-hosts the “Another Friday” podcast with Kamene Goro, delving into pop culture, relationships, and social trends.

A man of many talents, Obinna has worked with top brands like Uber, Deacon, USN Kenya, and Golden Tulip. He’s a staple on the MC circuit, hosting high-profile weddings, concerts, and corporate functions across the country.

But behind the bold personality is a devoted father. Obinna has four children—three daughters and a son—from different relationships. While he remains unmarried, he has been candid about the challenges of co-parenting and the importance of being present in his children’s lives.

His journey has not been without bumps. From battling abusive relationships to navigating poor contracts—including a lengthy period without YouTube monetization—Obinna has faced the darker side of fame. However, he has turned his struggles into advocacy, launching a petition in 2023 to address gender-based violence against men and campaigning for the establishment of safe houses.

In an industry often obsessed with image, Obinna remains refreshingly authentic. Whether he’s feeding street families in Nairobi or celebrating his birthday by gifting himself a KSh 6 million Volkswagen Touareg, he does it on his own terms.

Now with an estimated net worth of over KSh 100 million, Oga Obinna is more than just a media personality—he is a brand, a father, and a symbol of Kenyan resilience.

“You don’t have to come from a perfect place to achieve great things,” he says. “You just have to keep moving.”