Inspetka Mwala, whose real name is David Mwalili, has become an iconic figure on television, particularly through his charismatic performances on the popular show “Inspetka Mwala,” where he holds the lead role. The comedian’s journey to success was marked by perseverance and hard work.
In addition to captivating audiences on Citizen TV with “Inspetka Mwala” every Monday, Mwala has endeared himself to radio listeners on Citizen Radio. There, he co-hosts the morning show with fellow comedian Jackie Nyaminde, also known as Wilbroda, and Francis Luchivia.
The journey for this dynamic personality began as a part-time actor on the renowned shows “Vitimbi” and “Vioja Mahakamani,” which aired on KBC in 1993. Joining the cast of “Vitimbi,” Mwala injected fresh characters to keep the show competitive, even though he was initially compensated with a meager sh150 per show.
Recalling his early days as an aspiring actor, Mwala shared in an interview on Hot 96:
“I appeared in one show that month, and since that was the amount payable to part-time actors, that is what I went home with that month. It was tough.”
Despite the challenges, Mwala remained resilient, and as his popularity grew, so did his earnings, eventually reaching sh450 per show. He became, in his own words, “almost indispensable.”
The TV program “Inspetka Mwala” made its debut in the early 2000s and has been a resounding success ever since. Mwala, as the lead actor, has skillfully brought together a cast of outstanding characters, making the show a must-watch.
The show satirizes police officers, shedding light on their corrupt dealings and the challenges they face while carrying out their duties. Characters like Sergeant Abdi embody the flaws within the police service, engaging in underhand dealings, often partnering with Muliro in clandestine operations. Lavander, played by Sarah Atieno, represents the professional cop, while Morio adds humor as the gardener at Kona Mbaya Police station. Actors earn between kes7,000 to kes10,000 per show, while extras receive about kes1,000 to kes2,000.
Beyond his television success, Mwala has made a significant mark on the radio. His morning show on Radio Citizen, alongside Wilbroda and Francis Luchivia, stands out as one of the most popular radio shows over the years. This, combined with his TV achievements, has solidified Mwala’s position as one of the most successful comedians of our time.
Mwala’s influence extends to lucrative endorsements of products and services, as evident in his appearances in commercials. He reportedly earned kes5 million for an Airtel commercial and achieved considerable compensation for his role in the Sonadol commercial.
Preparing for his retirement, Mwala has wisely invested in real estate. He owns a flat in the rapidly growing Ruai town, generating a monthly income of approximately kes250,000. Additionally, he resides in a house in Kamulu with his family.
Estimates suggest that Mwala’s salary from his TV and radio shows amounts to kes300,000. Hailing from Taita Taveta, Mwala dispels the widely held belief that he is from Ukambani. As a devoted family man, he has two children.
