Fred Arocho has finally addressed the heated exchange between himself and Radio Jambo presenter Gidi, following a public spat that had been brewing for weeks. The dispute began when Arocho criticized Gidi’s bid to become the secretary general of Gor Mahia Football Club, arguing that Gidi lacked the necessary experience in professional football to lead the club effectively.
In response, Gidi hit back strongly on his radio show, dismissing Arocho as a school dropout and questioning his contributions to the sport. Gidi defended his own credentials by highlighting his academic background, including an MBA, and his experience as a goalkeeper in Dandora Phase 4. He argued that administrative roles in football require skills in communication, organisation, and marketing—not just a background on the pitch. Gidi also took personal jabs at Arocho, claiming he had little to show for his career and was better suited to running sound systems at football events.
For nearly two weeks, Arocho chose not to respond publicly, leading many to speculate whether he would address the matter at all. However, while covering a CAF football assignment in Cairo, Arocho finally fired back. With a calm but pointed tone, he brushed off Gidi’s insults, asking rhetorically, “Who is in Cairo and who is still in Nairobi?” He went on to suggest that while others were preoccupied with petty quarrels, he was focused on actual football work at the international level.
Arocho’s response struck a chord with many fans who saw it as a dignified and confident rebuttal. His presence in Cairo served as a silent testament to his relevance and credibility in the football world. Rather than trading barbs, Arocho emphasized the value of being actively engaged in the sport, choosing to let his actions speak louder than words.
The verbal battle has divided fans, with some siding with Arocho for his long-standing presence in football commentary and hands-on involvement in the game, while others support Gidi for his articulate defense and academic qualifications. The debate has spilled over into social media, with both personalities attracting waves of support and criticism.
In the backdrop of this feud, Arocho also addressed his recent departure from Radio Jambo, a move that surprised many listeners. He revealed that he left for a more lucrative opportunity at Radio 47, where he now earns over KSh 500,000 monthly—the highest salary of his broadcasting career. Aside from financial gains, he also cited a desire for professional growth and new challenges as key factors in his decision.
Despite the back-and-forth between the two media personalities, Arocho’s remarks from Cairo suggest that he prefers to remain focused on his professional path rather than engage further in the exchange. The incident underscores the intersection of sports, media, and personal branding in Kenya’s entertainment landscape, where public figures are often forced to defend their reputations both on and off the field.
