DJ CK: Billionaire businessman who found time to present daily radio show

Njeri Maina @njerimainar

Business mogul Chris Kirubi who died yesterday, was simply DJ CK to many, particularly those who listened to his radio show on Capital FM.

In a previous interview, Kirubi said he bought Capital FM when he realised most of his advertising expenditure for consumer goods produced by Haco was going to radio. 

He later took up deejaying for the radio station’s mid-morning show, where he played urban radio hits.

Under his stewardship, Capital FM became a major training ground for top radio talent in the country and a popular station. 

Angela Muiruri credits Kirubi with helping her establish herself in the media industry in Kenya when she relocated from the United States. 

Creative freedom

She describes him as a visionary and a great CEO who inspired everyone to be greater and do better.

“He was quite youthful at heart. He was really humorous and witty and could joke with all of us.

He also believed in the youth, most of us at Capital FM are under 35 years. His leadership was quite inclusive as he gave us a lot of creative freedom,” said Muiruri.

Joe Muchiri, a former Capital FM presenter and producer, described Kirubi as an involved and thorough boss who gave young people a chance. 

“He was not like other bosses, the ones who sit in their corner office and do not even know your name. He would often come down to the studio and ask about our jobs and what we needed him to do to help us perform better.

He was also very involved. Despite having numerous companies, he would show up at Capital daily,” Muchiri said.

Koroga festival

In 2016, Kirubi under the Capital FM brand, started Koroga Festival, a music and food festival. 

South Africa’s heavyweights Mafikizolo performed at the maiden festival held at Arboretum Grounds in Nairobi.

The festival was revolutionary for the Kenyan entertainment scene as it brought together local and international entertainment experiences.

“We were lucky to perform at a Koroga Festival in 2019. We really loved the festival format and how it not only gave Kenyan musicians a platform to share their work with their audiences, but also helped grow artists’ numbers and influence. 

We hope his soul rests in eternal peace. His impact lives on through the lives he touched,” John Katana, a member of the Them Mushrooms band said yesterday.