'Vioja' Judge Lucy still keen to make rulings

Lucy Wangui [Photo/State Department for Youth Affairs and Arts]

New faces

Long-serving Prosecutor Gibson Gathu, died in December last year.

Gathu was replaced by David Aliwa, whom Lucy describes as an actor that has steadily embraced the traits of the comedy show.

"He (Aliwa) is willing to learn, and is catching up and steadily fitting into Gathu's shoes," said the actor.

Other comedians who have since died include Amka Twende (Benjamin Otieno), Othorong'ong'o Danger (Joseph Anyong'a), Mzee Tama Bin Tama (Peter Lukoye) and Masanduku Arap Smit.

The show's crew is on a mission to recruit more members.

"We will always have content, and that is why the programme will stay on for much longer because many other actors are willing to join us," says Lucy.

Asked why the show may not be as hilarious as it was in the 70s and 80s, Lucy says, "It cannot be so because most pioneer members have died. We have commenced afresh in training and recruiting new members to fit in the shoes of their predecessors, but it will take time".

Lucy says every comedian comes in with a unique character that adds flavour to the show, which is a win-win situation for the team.

Vitimbi Artists Makoha( Matayo Keya), Judge( Lucy Wangui) and Nyasuguta( Eunice Wambui at the late mzee Ojwang's( Benson Wanjau) house in Mbotela Estate Nairobi. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

"The uniqueness of every character in the team has made Vioja Mahakamani a most popular comedy," she says.

Giving the example of Nyuka Kwota who acts as a wealthy entrepreneur, Lucy said that "it makes the programme lively and adored among his peers in real life experience."

Lucy's acting career has taken her to many countries around the world. The 65-year-old and her peers went to Cairo in 1981 and also toured Germany the same year, where they participated in several traditional dances and comedy shows.

The group toured the UK between 1986-89, ahead of their Morocco visit in the Tusker Twende Kazi Programme, which attracted top Kenyan celebrities.

They included rugby stars Humphrey Khayange, Collins Injera and former National Olympic Committee of Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino, in a programme that culminated in the UK.

Lucy says she considered the late Mzee Ojwang' Hatari (Benson Wanjau) a brilliant actor.