- Veteran teacher Zachariah Rioba has retired after decades devoted to teaching, administration and mentorship.
- Beyond education, he is widely known for his longstanding participation in radio programmes and discussions.
- His retirement closes a teaching chapter but is unlikely to end his public engagement.
Veteran teacher and popular radio contributor Zachariah Rioba has retired from the teaching profession after decades of service, bringing to an end a distinguished career that saw him serve in several secondary schools across the country.
Rioba, popularly known by radio listeners as “Omwalimu Esagasaga Mosinto Orioba,” was for many years a familiar voice on radio programmes, particularly among the Abagusii community.
He retired as a secondary school principal after many years dedicated to teaching, school administration and mentorship of learners.
Beyond the classroom, Rioba has carved out a unique identity as a radio fan and commentator, regularly participating in programmes on several regional and national stations.
He has been a familiar contributor on Egesa FM, Minto FM, Kisii FM, Getembe FM and Radio Citizen, among other stations, where his distinctive voice and lively contributions have earned him a loyal following.
His association with radio, however, stretches back several decades to the days of KBC Kisumu and the former Voice of Kenya (VOK), during an era when radio fan programmes attracted a dedicated following.
He was among the early generation of radio enthusiasts associated with popular programmes during the tenure of the late chairman Meshack Onyamo Ragira of the Magwagwa era.
Rioba shared the airwaves and the vibrant radio fan culture with personalities such as the late Peter Makori Embunde, G3 Sos Nyang’au, Sir Charles Ngoge Monyimbo, Bingwa Nyamori Mogadishu, Omariba Onsomu Manga, Machakazi Nyambega, Samuel Getenga and Mweresa Riruma, among others.
His longevity in the radio fraternity has made him a recognisable personality well beyond his professional career as an educator.
Life beyond the classroom
Born and raised in Ntana, Mabariri, Nyamira County, Rioba has remained closely associated with the Abagusii community and its cultural and social conversations.
His retirement from teaching, therefore, is unlikely to mark his exit from public engagement. With his long experience and passion for radio, he is expected to continue interacting with listeners and contributing to programmes that have become part of his life.
For many who know him, Rioba’s journey represents a blend of service in education and a longstanding passion for broadcasting.
READ ALSO: Mombasa-based businessman Dickson Oigara calls for fair bursaries, stronger school investment in Bomachoge Borabu
As he settles into retirement, friends, former colleagues, students and his growing number of radio listeners have wished Omwalimu Esagasaga Mosinto Orioba good health, happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.
By Mosoti Mogambi
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
