Back in the day, Vioja Mahakamani, a popular show on Kenya’s pioneer TV channel KBC, was a staple in many households. This court drama was not only educational and entertaining but also inspired many young viewers to consider careers in law.
One of the most memorable characters on the show was Lucy Wangui, who played the role of a strict magistrate for nearly 20 years. As Magistrate Lucy Wangui, she presided over numerous cases in the drama, delivering her rulings with a stern demeanor that imparted valuable lessons to the audience.
Lucy Wangui’s portrayal of the no-nonsense magistrate was marked by her unwavering commitment to fairness. She listened attentively to both prosecutors and defendants before delivering her final verdict, punctuated by the sound of her gavel. Despite her fame on the show, little is known about her life outside the courtroom.
Born in the Ziwani, Kariakor area of Nairobi County, Lucy Wangui originally aspired to become a nurse or a secretary, as these were seen as respectable professions at the time. Acting was never part of her initial career plans.
Before she became a household name on Vioja Mahakamani, Wangui worked as a secretary and at a bakery, both jobs providing her with a decent income. Her journey into acting began when she met Mzee Tumbo, who persuaded her to audition for a role in the show. After excelling in her auditions, she immediately left her job to pursue her new passion for acting.
In a past interview, Wangui recalled earning between Sh. 20 and Sh. 40 per episode in the early 1970s—a significant amount for a young person at the time. She fondly remembered the day she earned Sh. 400, describing it as a momentous occasion in her life. Throughout her career, she had the privilege of showcasing her talent to notable figures, including former Kenyan presidents Moi and Kibaki.
Wangui attributed her success to creativity and humility, qualities she believed were essential in the entertainment industry. She credited Mzee Pombe as her mentor and acknowledged the challenges faced by her generation of actors, particularly the impatience of younger actors eager for quick success.
She highlighted comedian Daniel Ndambuki, also known as Churchill, as a positive example of someone who has achieved success while also mentoring and providing opportunities for others.
“The youth often chase money but lack patience,” she observed. “Once they get it, they eventually fade from the scene.”
Wangui emphasized that there are no shortcuts to success, especially in the arts. Discipline, commitment, and humility, she believed, were the cornerstones that kept Vioja Mahakamani at the top for so many years.
In addition to her role on Vioja Mahakamani, Wangui also appeared in other popular Kenyan shows, including Vitimbi, Darubini, and Kivunja Mbavu. However, after many years on KBC’s Vioja Mahakamani, she left the show in solidarity with fellow actors Ondiek, Olexander Josephat (Peter Sankale), and others, following KBC’s decision to introduce new actors to the cast. The original cast members, feeling like a family, chose to leave together.
“When the cast of Vitimbi was told to leave due to their old age, we quit in solidarity because we are a family,” she explained.
In December 2019, at the 6th edition of the Sanaa Theatre Awards, Lucy Wangui, a mother of three, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the Kenyan entertainment industry.
