The two lives of Ondiek Nyuka Kwota

Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (left) has a word with former President Daniel Arap Moi after a performance in the 1990s. (Courtesy).

From their exploits, President Moi appointed five members of the team as Ambassadors of Kenya from the 1980s to the late 1990s.

They included Ondiek (himself), the late Mzee Ojwang Hatari (Benson Wanjau), Mama Kayai (Mary Khavere), Vioja Mahakamani Judge (Lucy Wangui) and Prosecutor (the late Gibson Gathu).

Hiram was awarded the Silver Star of Kenya by President Moi on December 12, 1998.

In the 2012 Kalasha Awards, he was voted the Best Lead Actor of that year!

"We feel appreciated when such accolades are bestowed on us and put in our archives. They make us feel proud, appreciated and respected by our children, relatives, friends and dignitaries," he says.

Hiram says Kenyan artistes are safer with local content.

Vioja Mahakamani Judge Lucy Wangui (centre) with Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (left) and Makokha.

"It's the surest bet to safeguard our work and promote our culture that could be easily adored and sell like hot cakes, Nigerian movies being the best example in Africa and globally," he says.

"Excellence and fame comes through hard work and African culture is not an exception," says Hiram.

As age catches up with actors, Hiram says, "It is wise to have an extra job to support this initiative. This is because, at a certain age, artistes cannot appear on stage as frequently as required."