Drama boy who won the President’s heart

A student who moved the audience to tears during the Kenya National Drama Festival State concert has received full education sponsorship.

Daniel Owira, a Form Two student at Highway Secondary School, who moved an audience that included President Uhuru Kenyatta with the narrative Otonglo Time at the Mombasa State House concert was hosted by the President at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday where the Head of State said he will pay his school fees up to university.

The President who will be monitoring closely the education progress of the student, said: “You are now one of my sons. Make sure you give me your report form every end of the term.”

Saying he will move Daniel out of Fuata Nyayo slums at Mukuru Kwa Njenga and enrol him as a boarder in his current school, the Head of State urged Daniel to aim at developing his acting talents as he pursues his education.

Said the President: “As I educate you, make sure you do well, but do not stop your theatre work and co-curricular activities.”

The President also assured Daniel’s mother Rose Owiyo that he will revive and revitalise her business. President Kenyatta added that he will support Daniel’s elder sister Susan, who works as a volunteer, helping girls in the slums.

After the meeting, President Kenyatta conducted Daniel on a tour of State House.

The narrative which left the President in stitches is in English, spoken with a Luo accent. It goes in part: “I boarded a matatu number eight known as Octopus to Lower Karen which is Kibera — Don’t be analogue, be digital...

“And if you want to meet me Mr President, tweet me on  www.otonglo time.ochotjunior.nyakwardani...”

At the end of the performances he looked at the President and said: “Mr President, tweet me yawa!”

The whole audience at State House Mombasa on April 26 burst into laughter and gave Daniel and his team a standing ovation.

That audience included First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, master of ceremonies Sirengo Khaemba, event national chairman Chokera Kahura, Education Secretary Enos Oyaya, and permanent secretary George Godia.

After the presentation, Daniel was invited by the President to the VIP dais to greet him. He remained true to character at the VIP as he greeted the President and other invited guest with remarkable ease.

Sells sukuma wiki

The narrative was scripted by Clifford Ouma, also known as Nyakwar Dani. It was directed by Clifford Ouma, Isaac Diang’a and Fred Okumu, and produced by Patrick Maritim. The latter is the school principal.

Daniel’s mother has had problems trying to take care of her family as she is the only bread winner in the family. She sells sukuma wiki in the neighbourhood.

“I had almost given up completing school for lack of school fees and so when the President’s invitation came, it was like a dream. It was too good to be true for me,” Daniel said.

Otonglo Time warns the youth that jobs are not only available in towns, and they can get employment back in the rural areas and still succeed in life.

It talks about a young man who leaves the village to look for employment in the city, but this does not materialise and he is faced with many problems such as lack of housing, insecurity and lack of social amenities. He is left with no other choice but to run back to the village.

Otonglo Time urges people to take  advantage of the devolved system.