Onjiri the Comedian says he started drinking alcohol in Class 5, reflects on early exposure
By Paulette Mboga, March 31, 2026Onjiri the Comedian has revealed that he started drinking alcohol while still in class 5, opening up about his early exposure and how it shaped his life.
He explained that his upbringing played a role in how he was introduced to alcohol at a very young age. He said conversations at home influenced how he viewed drinking while growing up.
“Nilianza kunywa pombe nikiwa class 5,” Onjiri the Comedian said in an interview with Dr Ofweneke on Monday, March 30, 2026.
He shared that the advice from his father stayed with him over the years. He explained that his father had a strong opinion about alcohol and how it affects people.
“Unajua ushago. Kuna kitu baba yangu aliniambia, hii dunia hakuna kitu kama urogi. Mfundishe tu pombe halafu umuache. Muonyeshe tu pombe halafu uwachane na yeye,” he said.
He said this message shaped how he and others around him approached alcohol. He explained that early exposure made drinking feel normal at a young age.
He went on to describe how he and his friends would spend time in bars, often using whatever money they had to drink. He said the habit quickly became difficult to control.
“Tulikua tunaingia bar between us tuko na 300k tunawacha masimu kwa counter,” Onjiri the Comedian said.
Early exposure and struggle with addiction
He explained that they would sometimes spend all their money within a short time. He said the pattern would repeat itself, leaving them with nothing after days of drinking.
“Tuko na like 300k, siku mbili ikipita, tumeshakunywa yote hatuna anything,” he said.
He added that even when they tried to recover financially, the cycle would continue. He explained that they would buy items like phones, but still end up losing them after going back to the bar.
“Saa zingine unalipwa unanua simu unaingia kwa bar, na hautatoka nayo tena,” Onjiri said.
He said the experience showed him how serious addiction can become. He explained that alcohol can easily take control if not managed carefully. He also warned about the impact of drinking around children. He explained that what children see at home can influence their behaviour as they grow up.