Willis Raburu

Willis Raburu

Willis Raburu hosting Wabebe Experience in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Willis Kwenda Raburu
Born	1 April 1987 (age 37) Kano, Nyando District, Kisumu County, Kenya
Genres	Journalism Entertainment Gengetone
Occupations	Journalist News Anchor Radio Presenter TV Host Musician
Years active	2010–present
Spouse(s)	Marya Prude (m. 2017; div. 2020) Ivy Namu (engaged 2022)
Children	2
Website	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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. Raburu departed Citizen TV in June 2023 after 13 years, expressing gratitude for the platform.

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. 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.

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. 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. Raburu is pitching a pan-African talk show and exploring acting, inspired by his cameo in Nafsi.

Personal Life

Raburu married Marya Prude (Mary Ngami) in 2017 after a publicized engagement to journalist Sally Mbilu ended in 2015. 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. The couple separated later that year, with Raburu regretting public exposure. “I shouldn’t have made my marriage a spectacle,” he admitted. 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. They welcomed their son, Mali, in July 2021, and daughter, Yara, in September 2022. 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.

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. His family, including two sisters and a brother, has faced health challenges, with Raburu once noting the entire household was unwell.

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. 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.

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. Raburu defended the show’s cultural relevance, arguing it reflected youth trends. “We weren’t promoting vice; we were showcasing reality,” he said. His publicized marriage to Prude drew scrutiny, a lesson in privacy. “Fame amplifies everything,” he reflected.

Awards and Recognition

• Maji Award for Deadly Waters, a series on water safety.
• Children’s Rights Award for reporting on Rwandan children’s resilience.
• CNN and International Center for Journalism Fellow, recognizing global reporting.

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. He’s developing Wabebe Experience into a multimedia brand, including events and digital content, and exploring comedy inspired by Eddie Butita. His Nairobi County advisory role focuses on youth engagement and communication strategies.

External Links

• Willis Raburu's Instagram
• Willis Raburu's Twitter