Tribute to Kenya’s Iconic Vioja Mahakamani Star and Comedy Legend Olexander Josephat

He makes the list of veteran comedians who have managed to remain ever green over the years. Olexander Josphat, real name Peter Sankale, is the consummate actor whose punchlines made us glued to our television sets. Olexander made the State owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) tolerable when viewers were limited to only two TV stations.

He was born and raised in Ngong, Kajiado County, and is of pure Maasai (Maa) ethnicity. His authentic Maasai accent and cultural background strongly shaped his on-screen persona.​

From a young age, he showed acting talent. In Standard 1 (primary school), he was named best actor during a parents’ day event and received an exercise book, pencil, and rubber as prizes.​After finishing college, an uncle helped him get a job as a teller/clerk at the now-defunct Pan African (or Panafric) Bank, where he worked in a suit and tie.​

While working at the bank, his manager (named Gitonga or Charles/Jimmy Gitonga in various accounts) noticed his natural humor and encouraged him to try acting.

His act depicting members of his Maasai community became cool that we couldn’t get enough of the funnyman.Alongside the likes of Ondiek and Makokha, he formed part of the hilarious team that made Vioja Mahakamani a must-watch show on KBC.

Back then while Speaking to Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki on July 19, Olexander gave a candid narration of the moments that defined his life including walking away from a stable job at Pan African Bank to pursue his dream.

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