Editing Willis Raburu

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{| class="infobox" style="width:22em; font-size:90%; text-align:left; border:1px solid #aaa; background:#f9f9f9; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em;"
|+ style="font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; background:#cedff2; text-align:center;" | Willis Raburu
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |
[[File:Willis raburu.jpg|thumb]]
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:smaller;" | Willis Raburu hosting ''Wabebe Experience'' in 2023
|-
! style="background:#cedff2;" colspan="2" | Background information
|-
! Birth name
| Willis Kwenda Raburu
|-
! Born
| 1 April 1987 (age 37)<br>Kano, Nyando District, Kisumu County, Kenya
|-
! Genres
| Journalism<br>Entertainment<br>Gengetone
|-
! Occupations
| Journalist<br>News Anchor<br>Radio Presenter<br>TV Host<br>Musician
|-
! Years active
| 2010–present
|-
! Spouse(s)
| Marya Prude (m. 2017; div. 2020)<br>Ivy Namu (engaged 2022)
|-
! Children
| 2
|-
! Website
| [https://www.instagram.com/willisraburu/ Instagram]
|}

'''Willis Kwenda Raburu''' (born 1 April 1987) is a Kenyan journalist, news anchor, radio presenter, television host, and musician whose dynamic presence and storytelling have made him a cornerstone of East African media. Best known for hosting ''[[10 over 10]]'' on [[Citizen TV]] from 2016 to 2023, Raburu’s infectious energy and signature “Wabebe” catchphrase captivated Kenya’s youth. His award-winning journalism, including the Maji Award for ''Deadly Waters'' and the Children’s Rights Award for reporting on Rwandan children, underscores his commitment to impactful storytelling. As Bazu, he has released gengetone hits like ''Kalale'', blending music with his media persona. Since joining [[TV47]] in 2023, Raburu hosts ''Wabebe Experience'' and serves as a Nairobi County advisor, expanding his influence. His public journey through weight loss, personal loss, and fatherhood has resonated widely, cementing his legacy as a relatable, resilient figure in Kenyan culture.

== Early Life and Education ==

Willis Raburu was born on 1 April 1987 in Kano, Nyando District, Kisumu County, Kenya, into a devout Christian family. The third of four children and the youngest son, he was raised by his father, Peter Raburu, a former Provincial Commissioner turned pastor, and his mother, Ruth, a supportive figure who encouraged his early media ambitions. “I’d read news to my mum at seven, pretending I was on TV,” he recalled.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> Growing up in [[Kisumu]], Raburu attended Aga Khan Primary School and Chemelil Academy High School in Muhoroni, a mixed boarding school where financial constraints led him to fetch water for pocket money.<ref>[https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ Kenyan Life - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref>

At [[Moi University]], Raburu pursued a Bachelor of Information Science with a Media focus, graduating in 2010. He kept his course choice secret from his father, who favored IT, until graduation day. “I was terrified, but I knew media was my calling,” he shared.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref><ref>[https://naijabiography.com/biography/willis-raburu-biography/ Naijabiography - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref> As of 2023, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Communications for Development at the United States International University (USIU), balancing studies with his career.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/90783-willis-raburu-opens-his-story-angered-citizen-tv-bosses Kenyans.co.ke - Willis Raburu Opens Up]</ref>

== Career ==

=== Early Career ===
While at [[Moi University]], Raburu interned at Mediamax’s [[K24]], gaining hands-on media experience. After graduating in 2010, he faced rejections from multiple stations, with some dismissing his voice as unfit for broadcast. “They said I sounded too young,” he recalled.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> Undeterred, he boldly walked into Royal Media Services without an appointment, securing a role at [[Citizen TV]] in October 2010. His first story, covering a Nairobi event, aired on prime time, marking his breakthrough.<ref>[https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ Kenyan Life - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref>

=== Citizen TV ===
At Citizen TV, Raburu established himself as a versatile journalist, reporting on high-profile events including Kenya’s military operations in [[Somalia]], the [[South Sudan]] conflict, the Westgate Mall attack, and the 2012 US Elections.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/willis-raburu Kenyans.co.ke - Willis Raburu Profile]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> His investigative segment ''TruthMeter'', which he conceptualized to fact-check political claims, became a cornerstone of Citizen TV’s prime-time lineup. “I wanted to hold leaders accountable,” he said.<ref>[https://www.tuko.co.ke/305653-willis-raburu-bio-wife-family-weight-loss-career.html Tuko.co.ke - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref>

From approximately 2016 to 2023, Raburu hosted ''[[10 over 10]]'', a youth-oriented show celebrating music, dance, and entertainment. His spontaneous “Wabebe” catchphrase, born during a live segment, became a cultural phenomenon, defining his vibrant persona.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/56309-willis-raburu-announces-career-move-after-hosting-10-over-10-4-years Kenyans.co.ke - Willis Raburu Career Move]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> He also anchored news and hosted programs like ''Sporty Monday'' and ''Day Break Show''. Losing his anchor role in 2021 was a setback. “It felt like losing a limb,” he admitted, but it deepened his focus on entertainment.<ref>[https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/willis-raburu-opens-up-on-losing-news-anchor-role-at-citizen-tv/0hsg6lx Pulselive Kenya - Willis Raburu on Losing News Anchor Role]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> Raburu departed Citizen TV in June 2023 after 13 years, expressing gratitude for the platform.<ref>[https://www.citizen.digital/news/willis-raburu-leaves-citizen-tv-after-13-years-n322402 Citizen Digital - Willis Raburu Leaves Citizen TV]</ref>

=== Music Career ===
In 2020, inspired by studio downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic, Raburu launched a music career under the stage name Bazu, a nod to his ''10 over 10'' persona. His debut single, ''Kalale'', featuring Rekles, Breeder Lw, [[Mejja]], and Ssaru, gained traction on social media, surprising even Raburu. “We were just vibing, and it took off,” he said.<ref>[https://www.boomplay.com/artists/15636088 Boomplay - Willis Raburu Songs]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> He followed with ''Jeshi'' (2022) and features in tracks like ''Sababisha'' and ''Taliban''. His gengetone style connects with Kenya’s urban youth, though he’s exploring gospel-infused music to reflect his faith. “Music is storytelling, like journalism,” he noted.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/56874-citizen-tvs-willis-raburu-7-other-journalists-whove-released-music Kenyans.co.ke - Journalists in Music]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref>

=== TV47 ===
In August 2023, Raburu joined [[TV47]], hosting ''Wabebe Experience'', a Friday night show blending music, celebrity interviews, and interactive games. Distinct from ''10 over 10'', it emphasizes audience engagement. “It’s a fresh canvas, not a sequel,” he clarified.<ref>[https://mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2023-08-22-willis-raburu-moves-to-tv47-after-10-over-10-exit-details/ Mpasho - Willis Raburu Moves to TV47]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> He also advises Nairobi County on communication and youth programs, aiming to streamline public engagement. “I want to help the county connect with its people,” he said.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/93494-citizen-tv-unveils-2-new-hosts-10-over-10-show Kenyans.co.ke - Citizen TV New Hosts]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> Raburu is pitching a pan-African talk show and exploring acting, inspired by his cameo in ''Nafsi''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref>

== Personal Life ==

Raburu married Marya Prude (Mary Ngami) in 2017 after a publicized engagement to journalist Sally Mbilu ended in 2015.<ref>[https://mpasho.co.ke/lifestyle/2017-05-12-the-one-who-got-away-meet-the-woman-who-willis-raburu-was-supposed-to-marry/ Mpasho - Willis Raburu and Sally Mbilu]</ref> Their marriage faced tragedy in January 2020 with the loss of their unborn daughter, Adana, due to birth complications. “I still visit her grave,” Raburu shared, reflecting on the profound grief.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/48395-willis-raburus-wife-opens-after-losing-daughter Kenyans.co.ke - Willis Raburu’s Wife on Losing Daughter]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> The couple separated later that year, with Raburu regretting public exposure. “I shouldn’t have made my marriage a spectacle,” he admitted.<ref>[https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2020-05-04-is-willis-raburu-living-separately-from-wife The Star - Willis Raburu and Marya Prude]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> They maintain a cordial relationship.

In 2020, Raburu began dating Ivy Namu, whom he met in 2019 when she appeared on ''10 over 10'' while working at Hot 96. “She’s real, no pretense,” he said.<ref>[https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/article/2001455505/willis-raburu-ivy-namu-welcome-second-child Standard Media - Willis Raburu and Ivy Namu]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> They welcomed their son, Mali, in July 2021, and daughter, Yara, in September 2022.<ref>[https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/the-standard/2001417551/willis-raburu-welcomes-child-with-girlfriend-ivy-namu Standard Media - Willis Raburu First Child]</ref><ref>[https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/willis-raburu-and-fiancee-ivy-namu-welcome-second-child-together/ Capital FM - Willis Raburu Second Child]</ref> Raburu proposed to Namu in July 2022 during Mali’s first birthday. Fatherhood is his “greatest joy,” and he shares family moments on [[Instagram]] (@willisraburu), from park outings to birthday celebrations.<ref>[https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/486779-willis-raburu-elated-reunite-kids-returning-qatar-gods-grace/ Tuko.co.ke - Willis Raburu Reunites with Kids]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref>

Raised in a Christian household, Raburu’s faith, shaped by his father’s pastoral background, remains central. “I pray before every show,” he said, crediting God for his resilience.<ref>[https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ Kenyan Life - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> His family, including two sisters and a brother, has faced health challenges, with Raburu once noting the entire household was unwell.<ref>[https://nairobinews.nation.africa/willis-raburu-the-entire-raburu-family-is-unwell/ Nairobi News - Raburu Family Unwell]</ref>

== Weight Loss Journey ==

Raburu’s weight, peaking at 164 kg, led to health issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and breathing difficulties. “My kids needed me alive,” he said, motivating his 2022 gastric bypass surgery, costing Ksh. 600,000–900,000.<ref>[https://www.kenyanvibe.com/willis-raburu-opens-up-on-expensive-weight-loss-surgery/ Kenyan Vibe - Willis Raburu Weight Loss Surgery]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> Post-surgery, he adopted a high-protein diet and gym routine, shedding significant weight. Despite online criticism, he shares his journey to inspire. “It’s about survival, not vanity,” he emphasized.<ref>[https://www.tuko.co.ke/305653-willis-raburu-bio-wife-family-weight-loss-career.html Tuko.co.ke - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref>

== Controversies ==

''10 over 10'' faced criticism for its provocative content, with Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua labeling it “obscene” for suggestive dances and attire. A 2019 petition with over 20,000 signatures sought its cancellation, citing influence on minors.<ref>[https://www.kahawatungu.com/citizen-tvs-10-over-10-show-petition/ Kahawa Tungu - 10 over 10 Petition]</ref><ref>[https://nairobinews.nation.africa/pressure-mounts-on-citizen-tv-to-stop-airing-10-over-10-show/ Nairobi News - Pressure on 10 over 10]</ref> Raburu defended the show’s cultural relevance, arguing it reflected youth trends. “We weren’t promoting vice; we were showcasing reality,” he said.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> His publicized marriage to Prude drew scrutiny, a lesson in privacy. “Fame amplifies everything,” he reflected.<ref>[https://classic105.com/tag/willis-raburu/ Classic 105 - Willis Raburu Archives]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref>

== Awards and Recognition ==

* Maji Award for ''Deadly Waters'', a series on water safety.<ref>[https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ Kenyan Life - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref>
* Children’s Rights Award for reporting on Rwandan children’s resilience.<ref>[https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ Kenyan Life - Willis Raburu Biography]</ref>
* CNN and International Center for Journalism Fellow, recognizing global reporting.<ref>[https://www.kenyans.co.ke/willis-raburu Kenyans.co.ke - Willis Raburu Profile]</ref>

== Discography ==

* ''Kalale'' (2020) – featuring Rekles, Breeder Lw, Mejja, and Ssaru
* ''Jeshi'' (2022)
* ''Sababisha'' (featuring Vic West and Benzema)
* ''Taliban'' (featuring Katapilla and Triand)

== Filmography ==

* ''Nafsi'' (2021) – Cameo role

== Other Ventures ==

Raburu plans to launch a media academy to mentor young journalists, drawing on his early rejections. “If I can make it, anyone can,” he encourages.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 Oga Obinna - Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation]</ref> He’s developing ''Wabebe Experience'' into a multimedia brand, including events and digital content, and exploring comedy inspired by Eddie Butita.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref> His Nairobi County advisory role focuses on youth engagement and communication strategies.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU Switch TV - Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV]</ref>

== References ==

<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kenyanlife.com/willis-raburu/ |title=Willis Raburu - Biography, Girlfriend Sally Mbilu, Salary, Family |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/entertainment/celebrities/willis-raburus-biography-age-family-music-and-rise-from-internship-to-stardom-2024072911063011015 |title=Willis Raburu's Biography: Age, Family, Music & Rise to Stardom |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://naijabiography.com/biography/willis-raburu-biography/ |title=Willis Raburu Biography |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/56309-willis-raburu-announces-career-move-after-hosting-10-over-10-4-years |title=Willis Raburu Announces Career Move After Hosting 10 Over 10 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/305653-willis-raburu-bio-wife-family-weight-loss-career.html |title=Everything About Willis Raburu: Wife, Family, Weight Loss, Career |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/the-standard/2001417551/willis-raburu-welcomes-child-with-girlfriend-ivy-namu |title=Willis Raburu Welcomes Child with Girlfriend Ivy Namu |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/article/2001455505/willis-raburu-ivy-namu-welcome-second-child |title=Willis Raburu, Ivy Namu Welcome Second Child |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyanvibe.com/willis-raburu-opens-up-on-expensive-weight-loss-surgery/ |title=Willis Raburu Opens Up on Expensive Weight Loss Surgery |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boomplay.com/artists/15636088 |title=Willis Raburu Songs MP3 Download, New Songs & Albums |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyans.co.ke/willis-raburu |title=Willis Raburu Profile |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/willis-raburu-opens-up-on-losing-news-anchor-role-at-citizen-tv/0hsg6lx |title=Willis Raburu on Losing News Anchor Role at Citizen TV |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizen.digital/news/willis-raburu-leaves-citizen-tv-after-13-years-n322402 |title=Willis Raburu Leaves Citizen TV After 13 Years |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mpasho.co.ke/entertainment/2023-08-22-willis-raburu-moves-to-tv47-after-10-over-10-exit-details/ |title=Willis Raburu Moves to TV47 After 10 Over 10 Exit |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/93494-citizen-tv-unveils-2-new-hosts-10-over-10-show |title=Citizen TV Unveils New Hosts for 10 Over 10 Show |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mpasho.co.ke/lifestyle/2017-05-12-the-one-who-got-away-meet-the-woman-who-willis-raburu-was-supposed-to-marry/ |title=Meet the Woman Willis Raburu Was Supposed to Marry |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/48395-willis-raburus-wife-opens-after-losing-daughter |title=Willis Raburu’s Wife Opens Up After Losing Daughter |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2020-05-04-is-willis-raburu-living-separately-from-wife |title=Is Willis Raburu Living Separately from Wife? |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/willis-raburu-and-fiancee-ivy-namu-welcome-second-child-together/ |title=Willis Raburu and Ivy Namu Welcome Second Child |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/486779-willis-raburu-elated-reunite-kids-returning-qatar-gods-grace/ |title=Willis Raburu Elated to Reunite with Kids |accessdate=2025-05-11 offsite/secure/account/addAccount.action |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{case web |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/willis-raburu-the-entire-raburu-family-is-unwell/ |title=Willis Raburu: The Entire Raburu Family Is Unwell |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kahawatungu.com/citizen-tvs-10-over-10-show-petition/ |title=Citizen TV’s 10 Over 10 Show Faces Petition |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/pressure-mounts-on-citizen-tv-to-stop-airing-10-over-10-show/ |title=Pressure Mounts on Citizen TV to Stop 10 Over 10 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://classic105.com/tag/willis-raburu/ |title=Willis Raburu Archives |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gOPeSzOmLU |title=Willis Raburu Talks About Life After Leaving Citizen TV, His New Show on TV47, and More |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGm7FkoqsD0 |title=Willis Raburu on His Career, Family, and Content Creation |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>

== External Links ==

* [https://www.instagram.com/willisraburu/ Willis Raburu's Instagram]
* [https://twitter.com/willisraburu Willis Raburu's Twitter]

[[Category:Kenyan journalists]]
[[Category:Kenyan musicians]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Kisumu County]]