By Caroline Nyanga
Sensation actor Geoffrey Omondi aka Pengle or Kipara Ngoto is certainly striking the right chords during the Obama euphoria. His latest production Obama Made in Kenya in which he co-stars with his brother Elvis has advanced his popularity in local comedy shows.
The play, which was released on VCD in September last year, is a political satire that fuses US and Kenyan politics leaving audiences reeling in laughter and asking for more. Omondi plays the role of Kenya’s PM Raila Odinga while his brother Elvis takes up the role of President elect Barack Obama.
"With the help of Obama’s grandmother, we introduce a political merger between Obama and Raila. It is interesting that she knows no other language except Dholuo. The two dignitaries refer to each other as cousins," says Omondi.
The Obama VCD is part of the Kipara Ngoto production part three.
Omondi’s 10-year stint in the industry has won him affection from the young and old; the elite and ordinary Kenyans. That explained the numerous interruptions from fans during our interview who wanted to either compliment or simply chat with him.
A patient man of affable character, Omondi would excuse himself to acknowledge their presence and exchange a few pleasantries.
When on stage, Omondi does his thing so effortlessly. In fact, he doesn’t need to open his mouth to bowl you over with laughter. His presence alone — his gait, stare, grimaces, and body movements — will work the trick.
Thrilled crowd
When a small crowd gathered around us, for instance, he sent them reeling with laughter with one of his common phrases where he steps into the shoe of Hon Kenneth Marende: "Order Members...order Honourable Members… Section 2A of the Parliamentary Standing Order states that if you are not dressed like Orie Rogo Manduli, then you are not a Member of Parliament."
It is interesting too, how Omondi ingeniously plays the tribal card with so much ease. He speaks several local dialects eloquently — a trait he explains has helped in enhancing his career.
"I can imitate 12 different personalities perfectly well. They include President Kibaki, PM Odinga, former president Moi, Speaker Kenneth Marende, Osama Bin Laden, Pastors Pius Muiru and Njoka, not to mention television news anchors Ali Mtenzi and Leonard Mambo Mbotela."
Whether on stage or in real life, the single father of two (twins) is a rib cracker and is certainly a welcome addition to the dynamic cast of Pengle and Kipara Ngoto comedians.
He has been successfully integrated into the humorous River Road Productions and has finally found a groove in his chequered life.
Born 30 years ago, his love for acting began when he was a pupil at Maranda Primary and carried on to Barding High School, Nyanza.
"I took part in drama competitions and won many hearts from different schools."
However, after he was expelled from Barding High School, for ‘being a hard headed student who often indulged in fights,’ his acting went on a slump.
Delayed passion
He had then joined Don Bosco High School in Nairobi, which did not offer his favourite subjects — arts and music. His passion was to be reignited after completing high school.
However, that he hailed from a middle class family and resided in Nairobi’s tough Eastlands neighbourhood meant he would have to overcome numerous challenges to make it. Yet in the midst of this, Omondi made the best out of life when he joined Vision Drama Club that specialised in educative comedy. "We would use comedy to sensitise the youth on the need to shun drugs," he says.
A year later, he quit the group to form his own Crazy Fools and later changed the name to Pengle Entertainment and Kipara Ngoto Productions.
The comedian who uses mainly Kiswahili, English, Sheng’ and Dholuo languages in his shows, says the sky is the limit. Born and bred in Homabay District he is the firstborn in a family of six.
The comedian says he drew his inspiration from actor Kisu Bin Kata of local television programme Tausi for his ‘unique style’.
"I felt acting was the best avenue to reach out to many Kenyans facing different challenges."
