From Rags To Riches – The Inspiring Story of Daniel Ndambuki aka Churchill

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki. Most Kenyans are shocked when they learn that ‘Churchill’ is not his real name. He is Kenya’s most successful comedian, based on his accomplishments and his countrywide reach.

Churchill’s story is very inspiring to the young talented comedians who may feel like they would not make it in their career.

He currently hosts his own show on NTV Kenya, an actor, and MC and a media personality who co-hosts with the legendary Maina Kageni on classic 105, where he goes by the name “Mwalimu King’ang’i.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki Early life

In his many shows, he keeps mentioning of his background, ‘ukambani’ which is basically the eastern province in Kenya mostly covering machakos and kitui counties.

His full names are Daniel ndambuki. He was born on 30 October 1977 in kitui town, but they later moved to machakos. He attended Mumbuni high school and that’s about all that is known about his school life.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki family

Churchill is married and has one son. Over the years, he has preferred to keep his family from the limelight.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki early career

Churchill has always brought a fresh and new style of comedy to the Kenyan airwaves and mainstream media since the early 21st century.

Over the years, he got hundreds of thousands of fans on the internet, radio and on TV. Churchill’s wide recognition as a promising comedian heightened when the all-time hit comedy ‘redykyulass’ went on air.

He acted alongside Anthony Njuguna, Walter Mongare (Nyambane) and john Kiarie who are the legends of Kenyan comedy.

Also featured on the show were peter Kaimenyi (Kajairo) and Maurice Otieno ( Mdomo Baggy). On this show, he did not look as promising as the other comedians. His current success is still a ‘shocker’ to most who watched him when he started up. Later, he was one of the founders of the comedy “red Kona” which increased his fan base.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki top show

Churchill Ndambuki’s show “Churchill live” went on air on 2008 till 2009 which covered the first season. It aired on NTV every Thursday at 8pm. The second season did not return until 2013. Until now, the main show airs on the same station but every Sunday from 8pm.

A shorter show named ‘Churchill raw’ airs on Thursdays. The show that is now on season 6 has featured influential personalities, big entertainment names, politicians and many remarkable people across the social-economic continuum.

The nature of his show, being a mixture of comedy mashed with interviews with influential people make it one hard to be at par with. All the while not forgetting the kids sub show “totos corner”.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki Churchill academy

Churchill has managed to grow the comedy industry in Kenya and east Africa at large by being a mentor and a pioneer in the industry.

He initially started with a search program named ‘top comic’ that was used to put forward leading comedy brands.

Now with two weekly show, he creates a larger platform that acts as a stepping stone for upcoming new talents and brands. Churchill has a creative team of over twenty mentors. The academy has more than seventy five comedians and the number increases as time passes by.

Some big names natured by Churchill academy are Eric Omondi, Chipukezeey, Professor Hamo, MCA tricky, and Fred Omondi among others.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki kids festival

Over the years, Churchill has managed to win the hearts of families and children. His famous segment ‘Toto’s corner’ bore the kid’s festival that is held at least once annually at different counties. The festival comprises of musicians, games and other fun activities that keep kids happy. The festivals gets a turnout of over 55000 kids and families.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki awards

His comedy brand has grown very much and has attracted a couple of awards and honors. The following are some of them;

• 2015 bingwa music awards BMA, where he was named showbiz personality of the year.
• 2014 PRISK for being a founding director
• 2014 Sanaa theatre awards where his show was named best production of TV comedy recorded before a live audience.
• 2014 cheka awards both best TV standup comedian and male TV standup comedian.
• 2014 OLX SOMA awards over personality of the year and most influential media personality.
• 2013 Cheka Awards he was the Winner of best TV Standup Comedy and comedy mentor award.
• 2013 Olx SOMA (Social Media Awards) he won the Facebook Fan page Of the Year, overall social media personality and TV show of the year.
• 2013 at the Sanaa Theatre Awards he got Best Comedy Kenyan Pig Cat And Dogs on Heartstrings Kenya
• In 2012 he got award for Marketing Society Of Kenya Awards as the winner for Best Personal Branding Effort
• 2012 Kalasha Awards, his show was the Best TV Entertainment for Cinematic Solutions/ Laugh Industry
• 2012 the UK Kenya Achievers Award For Excellence In Comedy
• 2011 State Commendation Award he got Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) which was a big deal for him nationally.
• 2011 in the Marketing Society Of Kenya Awards, he got the best Personal Branding Award
• 2010 CHAT (Chaguo La Teeniez Awards), he won the Teeniez’ TV Comedy Or Reality Show and also the role model award
• 2009 at the Kalasha Awards, he was the winner for Best Comedy Program and best TV program overall.
• 2007 he was the Word Of Life Winner Theatre Person Of Year and lastly,
• 1999 he got Mavuno Awards Winner for best Narrator.

Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki “Mwalimu King’ang’i”

Other than standup comedy and being a director, Churchill co-hosts a breakfast show at classic 105 every morning. He does this alongside the legendary Maina Kageni.

On this show, he has a whole new personality compared to who he is on his TV show. The breakfast show has received a lot of scrutiny over its moral impact. Never the less, he has many fans on the show, most being women.

Churchill’s success in the comedy industry has inspired many to try and start their own platforms.

One Eric Omondi had started his own show ‘hawayuni” which did not air for long. The likes of chipukezeey and “teacher Wanjiku” have also been inspired to go solo and start their own shows and platforms. However, it will be difficult for anyone to fill Churchill’s shoes in the Kenyan comedy industry.

Future plans

Other plans include setting up his own TV station, Churchill TV which he is hopeful about, adding that there is a lot of potential in creating content.

Often blamed for the woes of comedians who fall into depression and financial loss, Churchill admitted that he does not have an issue nurturing aspiring comedians from amateurs to professionals.

“I am happy for those who have made it like Eric Omondi and MC Jessy. We will see others more who are discovering themselves. I am like their parent and sometimes I understand that God gave me the responsibility to be part of those running the comedy industry.

“Fans are not your real family. Why tell them your issues and heap pressure on yourself yet you have your immediate family you can talk to? The fans and media have the opportunity to enjoy both your woes and artistry,” he stated.

In July 2020, comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang’o) disclosed that Churchill sacrificed to host comedians despite spending a lot of money on the event itself. Jalang’o stated that Churchill could spend Ksh 5 million on sourcing for tents and chairs and paying for events only to make Ksh 200,000 as profit.

“People see a packed audience and think he has made a lot of money. For Churchill to meet the operational cost, it would require at least 5,000 people to pay Ksh 1,000 each for tickets. Do you know that sometimes half of the crowd would attend the show for free?” he detailed, arguing that Churchill opted for radio presentation at Classic 105 to boost his income.