Willis Raburu Biography: Lifestyle, Education, Family, Wife, Wabebe, TV/ Radio Etc.
Willis Wayne Edwin Opiyo Otondi Raburu, publicly known as Willis Raburu, is a prominent Kenyan media personality. Born on April 1st, 1987, he has established himself as a News Anchor, TV Host, MC, Radio Personality, and Entrepreneur. His career includes stints at well-known stations such as Citizen TV, Hot 96 FM, and TV47.
Willis Raburu Biography
Full Names:
Willis Wayne Edwin Opiyo Otondi Raburu
Known as:
Willis Raburu, Willis, Bazu
Date of Birth:
1st April 1987
Age:
38 Years Old.
Place of Birth:
News Anchor, TV Host, MC, Radio Personality, Entrepreneur
Place of Growth:
Kisumu, Kenya
Profession:
News Anchor, TV Host, Mc, Radio Personality, Entrepreneur
Willis Raburu Family
Willis Raburu is the lastborn in a family of four.
His father is known as Peter Otieno Raburu, who is a Former Provincial Commissioner.
His mother is known as Ruth Raburu; she celebrated 71 years in June 2025.
Willis Raburu Education
Primary Education
Willis Raburu attended Aga Khan Primary School, located in Kisumu, Kenya
He scored a total of 358 marks on his KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
Secondary Education
Raburu attended Chemelil Sugar Academy High School, located in Kisumu, Kenya.
He scored a mean grade of C+ at his KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
He said that he used to illegally shut off the main water supply to the dormitories and sell water, claiming a water shortage.
Tertiary Education
Moi University(2006 – 2010)
Willis Raburu attended Moi University, located in Eldoret, Kenya, from 2006 to 2010.
He studied two Bachelor of Science degrees: one in Communication and Media Studies and another in Information Science, majoring in Publishing and Media.
He was involved in the publication of the first-ever Magazine for the School of Information Sciences.
He used to hold weekly comedy and entertainment shows on the campus, charging 30 bob, Kenya Shillings.
In January of 2018, he revealed that he was a smoker at the University.
United States International University(2021 – 2025)
Willis then attended United States International University(USIU-Africa) located in Nairobi, Kenya.
He was named the Best Graduate Student – School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA) Male at the USIU-Africa Gala Awards.
He is currently studying a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies.
Willis graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from United States International University(USIU-Africa) on Saturday, September 27th, 2025.
Willis Raburu TV Career
CITIZEN TV (Royal Media Services)
#Truthmeter and Road Hog (Oct. 2021 – Nov. 2023)
Willis Raburu was a News Anchor, Reporter, Producer and writer for the weekly satirical piece#Truthmeter and the Road Safety program, Road Hog on Citizen TV.
DayBreak Show(May 2015 – Jun. 2023)
He was also the News Anchor, Editor and Producer of one of the Nation’s number one morning TV shows called DayBreak on Citizen TV.
#10over10 (June 2016 – June 2023)
He was the host and producer of the 10over10 show, a youth entertainment show that airs every Friday at 10 PM.
The show first premiered on June 17th, 2016, with Willis Raburu and Joey Muthengi as its hosts.
Joey Muthengi later left the show on November 9th, 2018.
Willis Raburu later left the show on June 30th, 2023, to focus on his master’s degree.
Digital Strategist / Consultant. (Jan. 2017 – Jun. 2023)
Willis Raburu was the Digital Strategist and consultant at Royal Media Services (RMS).
His responsibilities included guiding talent, managing multiple projects from concept to completion, and overseeing the creative department’s overall quality and output.
Wabebe XP / Wabebe Experience (June 2023 – April 2023)
Willis Raburu had left his previous station, Citizen TV / Royal Media Services (RMS) in June 2023, after 13 years.
On 22 August 2023, Raburu was unveiled at TV47 and Wabebe XP was launched.
Wabebe XP was a show that offered a mix of interviews, performances, and interactive segments hosted on TV47 Kenya.
It was hosted by Willis Raburu, along with MC Gogo, and later joined by Claudia Naisabwa.
The show was known for its live studio audience and its ability to blend entertainment, humor, current affairs, and music.
They hosted various guests such as:-
Bien, Ababu Namwamba (then Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Arts & Sports), Bensoul,Timeless Noel, Jalang’o, Melina Gold,Shix Kapienga,John Allan Namu,Okiyah Omtatah,Alex Mwakideu among others.
Willis Raburu parted ways with TV47 in April of 2024 after they announced a seasonal break in the same year.
Willis Raburu Radio Career
Moi University FM
While at Moi University, Willis Raburu was a News presenter and show host at Moi University FM.
Hot 96 FM
Happy Hour Show
Willis Raburu was the host of the Happy Hour Show (HotHappyHour) every Friday from 3 PM TO 7 PM.
He was a member of the all-boys Panel alongside Kimani Mbugua, Patrick Igunza and Shaka.
Raburu and Lulu on Hot 96
He then hosted the weekdays mid-morning show alongside Lulu Saidi from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Rhythm Junction
Willis was a host of Rythm Junction from 10 AM to 1 PM alongside Terry Muikamba, who joined him after rejoining Hot 96 FM.
Willis Raburu Awards (TV)
Willis Raburu’s contributions to the media have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including:
Road Safety Award issued by the Association of Kenya Insurers in December 2011.
He produced a video segment on Citizen TV in March 2011 titled ‘Killer Drivers,’ which shed light on the critical issue of road safety in Kenya, focusing on drivers, pedestrians, and accidents.
Children’s Rights Award issued by the Bubble Nest in January 2012
He did a 2-part video segment on Citizen TV in August 2012, focusing on Rwanda’s path of reconstruction and reconciliation, 18 years after the genocide, where over 800,000 people were killed.
Maji Award issued by the Annual Media Excellence Awards in November 2012.
He did a video segment on Citizen TV in January 2011 titled ‘Deadly Waters Kiambere’, focusing on how dangerous the Kiambere Dam is, with 6 reported crocodiles, claiming lives.
Willis Raburu Musical Journey
Willis Raburu joined the music industry by releasing a track titled Kalale on August 28th, 2020.
It was incredibly well-received, garnering over a million views in only a week.
He recently announced in August 2025 that his EP titled Bazu is coming out later in the year.
Willis Raburu Relationships
Willis Raburu and Sally Mbilu
Willis Raburu was in a romantic relationship with Kenyan Media Personality and Journalist, Sally Mbiru.
He proposed in 2014 with a tanzanite ring, reportedly valued at over KES 100,000.
They broke up two years later in 2016.
Willis Raburu and Marya Irungu (Marya Prude)
Willis Raburu was in a romantic relationship with Marya Irungu alias Marya Prude.
They exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in May 2017 after getting engaged.
Pregnancy Loss
Marya lost two pregnancies while married to Willis Raburu.
She lost her first pregnancy in 2018 as a result of a miscarriage at nine weeks.
She later lost her second pregnancy in 2019 as a result of a stillbirth at just 32 weeks.
They had already named the baby Adana.
Both Willis and Marya have tattoos of Adana.
Willi’s tattoo of Baby Adana features a prominent, elegantly calligraphic “A” surmounted by a crown, which signifies royalty, honor, and preciousness. Beneath the letter, the date “31.12.19” is inscribed, commemorating the date of the stillbirth.
Marya shares the same tattoo as Willis, and while she also had one with the name Adana, she covered it with a floral design topped with a crown.
They later separated in 2020.
Willis Raburu and Ivy Namulindwa (Ivy Namu)
Willis Raburu is currently in a relationship with Singer, Content Creator and Media Personality:Ivy Namulindwa alias Ivy Namu.
At the time, she was working at Hot 96, as she revealed in 2021.
They started dating in 2020.
Willis Raburu proposed on July 2022 to Ivy on their first child’s birthday.
Willis Raburu and Ivy Namu have two children together:-
Mali(First Born)
Mali was born on 4th July 2021
He is currently 4 years old.
Yara(Second Born)
Yara was born on 10th September 2022.
She is currently 3 years old.
Other facts about Willis Raburu.
Wills Raburu served as a volunteer intern in the Science and Technology department at the National Bank of Kenya, focusing on IT Solutions.
He is the current Director of Digital Services at Cape Media Limited. He assumed the job in December 2023.
He has also been the Director of Global Communications at SemaBOX Africa since June 2023.
His favorite food is Chicken Biryani.
Willis Raburu’s least favorite food is Matoke.
Matoke is a traditional East African dish made from green (unripe) bananas or plantains. It is especially popular in Uganda, as well as in parts of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
His favorite team is Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes is his favorite Manchester United player.
His favorite all-time player is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Willis Raburu’s first job was in 2010, making tea in the morning for an NGO Organisation and then staying in the reception.
The organisation lied to his father that Willis would be an IT professional.
He earned KES. 10,000 for three months.
Willis Raburu currently drives a Toyota V8.
He made his first million in 2017, while still working at Citizen TV.
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Willis Raburu Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?
Who is Willis Raburu?
Willis Wayne Edwin Opiyo Otondi Raburu, publicly known as Willis Raburu, is a prominent Kenyan media personality. Born on April 1st, 1987, he has established himself as a News Anchor, TV Host, MC, Radio Personality, and Entrepreneur. His career includes stints at well-known stations such as Citizen TV, Hot 96 FM, and TV47.
What is Willis Raburu's full name?
Willis Raburu’s full name is Willis Wayne Edwin Opiyo Otondi Raburu.
When was Willis Raburu born?
Willis Raburu was born on 1st April 1987.
Which primary school did Willis Raburu attend?
Willis Raburu attended Aga Khan Primary School, located in Kisumu, Kenya
How many marks did Willis Raburu score in his KCPE exams?
Willis Raburu scored a total of 358 marks on his KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
Which secondary school did Willis Raburu attend?
Willis Raburu attended Chemelil Sugar Academy High School, located in Kisumu, Kenya.
Which grade did Willis Raburu score in his KCSE exams?
Willis Raburu scored a mean grade of C+ at his KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.
Which Universities did Willis Raburu attend?
Willis Raburu attended Moi University, located in Eldoret, Kenya, from 2006 to 2010.
He also attended the United States International University. (USIU-Africa)
When did Willis Raburu graduate from USIU?
Willis Raburu graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from United States International University(USIU-Africa) on Saturday, September 27th, 2025.
Which TV shows has Wills Raburu Hosted?
Willis Raburu has hosted various TV shows such as:-
#Truthmeter and Road Hog on Citizen TV (Oct. 2021 – Nov. 2023).
DayBreak Show on Citizen TV (May 2015 – Jun. 2023).
#10over10 on Citizen TV(June 2016- June 2023).
Wabebe XP / Wabebe Experience on TV47 (June 2023 – April 2023).
Which Radio shows has Wills Raburu Hosted?
Willis Raburu has hosted various Radio shows such as:-
Happy Hour Show on Hot 96
Raburu and Lulu on Hot 96
Rhythm Junction on Hot96
How many awards has Willis Raburu won?
Willis Raburu’s contributions to the media have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including:
Road Safety Award issued by the Association of Kenya Insurers in December 2011.
He produced a video segment on Citizen TV in March 2011 titled ‘“>Killer Drivers,’ which shed light on the critical issue of road safety in Kenya, focusing on drivers, pedestrians, and accidents.
Children’s Rights Award issued by the Bubble Nest in January 2012
He did a 2-part video segment on “>Citizen TV in August 2012, focusing on Rwanda’s path of reconstruction and reconciliation, 18 years after the genocide, where over 800,000 people were killed.
Maji Award issued by the Annual Media Excellence Awards in November 2012.
He did a video segment on Citizen TV in January 2011 titled ‘“>Deadly Waters Kiambere’, focusing on how dangerous the Kiambere Dam is, with 6 reported crocodiles, claiming lives.
When did Willis Raburu join the music industry?
Willis Raburu joined the music industry by releasing a track titled Kalale on August 28th, 2020. He featured Rekless, Breeder LW, Mejja and Ssaru. It was incredibly well-received, garnering over a million views in only a week.
Has Willis Raburu ever been in a relationship with Sally Mbilu ?
YES. Willis Raburu was in a romantic relationship with Kenyan Media Personality and Journalist, Sally Mbiru. He proposed in 2014 with a tanzanite ring, reportedly valued at over KES 100,000. They broke up two years later in 2016.
Has Willis Raburu ever been in a relationship with Marya Irungu (Marya Prude)?
YES. Willis Raburu was in a romantic relationship with Marya Irungu, alias Marya Prude. They exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in May 2017 after getting engaged. They later separated in 2020.
Has Marya Irungu alias Marya Prude lost a pregnancy while with Willis Raburu?
YES. Marya Irungu, alias Marya Prude, lost two pregnancies while married to Willis Raburu. She lost her first pregnancy in 2018 as a result of a miscarriage at nine weeks. She later lost her second pregnancy in 2019 as a result of a stillbirth at just 32 weeks. They had already named the baby Adana.
Is Willis Raburu in a relationship with Ivy Namulindwa alias Ivy Namu?
YES. Willis Raburu is currently in a relationship with Singer, Content Creator and Media Personality:Ivy Namulindwa alias Ivy Namu. Namu first met Raburu in November 2019, when she was a “>guest on his show, ’10 Over 10.‘ At the time, she was working at Hot 96, as she revealed in 2021. They started dating in 2020.Willis Raburu proposed on July 2022 to Ivy on their first child’s birthday.
How many children does Willis Raburu and Ivy Namu have together?
Willis Raburu and Ivy Namu have two children together:-
Mali(First Born)
Mali was born on 4th July 2021 He is currently 4 years old.
Yara(Second Born)
Yara was born on 10th September 2022. She is currently 3 years old.
What is Willy Raburu's current Job?
Willis Raburu is the current Director of Digital Services at Cape Media Limited. He assumed the job in December 2023. He is also the Director of Global Communications at SemaBOX Africa.
What is Wills Raburu's favorite food?
Willis Raburu’s favorite food is Chicken Biryani.
What is Willis Raburu's least favorite food?
Willis Raburu’s least favorite food is Matoke.
Matoke is a traditional East African dish made from green (unripe) bananas or plantains. It is especially popular in Uganda, as well as in parts of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Which team does Willis Raburu support?
Willis Raburu supports Manchester United Football Club.
Who is Willis Raburu's favorite footballer?
Willis Raburu‘s favorite footballers are Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Overall).
What was Willis Raburu's first job?
Willis Raburu’s first job was making tea in the morning for an NGO Organisation and then stay in the reception.
The organisation lied to his father that Willis would be an IT professional.
He earned KES. 10,000 for three months.
Which car does Willis Raburu drive?
Willis Raburu drives a Toyota V8.
When did Willis Raburu make his first Million?
Willis Raburu made his first million in 2017, while still working at Citizen TV.
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