Few need an introduction to the Vioja Mahakamani long-serving magistrate, Lucy Wangui. She issues her judgements in the Vioja Mahakamani court comedy with vigour and passion.
Her decisiveness in court matters left most Kenya Broadcasting Corporation television viewers convinced that she is an actual judge.The actress became famous in the 70s when TVs were the privilege of a few.Lucy, a mother of three who has featured in the programme for the last 30 years, says that the show is not about to end.
“Vioja Mahakamani comedy show is here to stay. We have content and talented actors of repute, who keep joining us at will, and all of us are committed. Sadly, we have lost a number of pioneer members,” she said.
Before she got the role, which had been occupied by the late Ann Wanjugu, Lucy played different roles in the same show.
Until 2015, Wangui played the role of a no-nonsense judge. In this role she was the voice of reason and the ultimate counsel. Viewers will remember her inscrutable expression as she sat on the bench, listening keenly and taking notes. She pulled off her role so well that over the years, it became more and more difficult for fans of the show to separate Wangui from her on-screen character.
Now in her sixties, the lines on Wangui’s face are evidence of a long and fruitful life. Born second in a family of seven children, Wangui is one among four surviving siblings. When they were little, their parents moved the family from Murang’a to Nairobi long before Kenya’s independence in 1963.
They moved into a single room in Kariokor, an estate which was initially built to shelter horses. Later, her father moved them to a bigger house in Ziwani where the family settled permanently.
Wangui’s father, Kanogo Gichomo, owned several shops along Nairobi’s River Road. His business earned him enough to sustain his family and to provide basic education for his children. Her mother, Jane Nyambura, was also a businessperson who sold her wares in Kariokor market and also doubled up as an actress, earning extra money by appearing in local television advertisements.Although Wangui was initially hesitant to fill Wanjugu’s shoes, she embraced the challenge and excelled in the role.
Beyond Vioja Mahakamani, Lucy Wangui also appeared in other popular Kenyan programs such as Vitimbi, Darubini, and Kivunja Mbavu. She attributes her success to humility, patience, and creativity, qualities she believes are essential for a lasting career in the entertainment industry.
In 2019, Wangui’s contributions to the Kenyan acting industry were recognized when she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sanaa Theatre Awards.
Despite leaving Vioja Mahakamani after disagreements over casting changes, Wangui remains a respected figure in Kenyan theatre and television.In an interview, she expressed concerns over the lack of support for Kenya’s film industry, pointing out that other countries have surpassed Kenya due to better investment.
