Mark Masai: The real McCoy

What’s your real name?

I was actually born Abdullahi Masai, in Narok, where I grew up. I was raised by a foster mother, Mary Wight.

Why did you change?

Abdullahi is a Muslim name while I grew up in a Christian setting. The reason I chose Mark was because my friends used to abbreviate my names Masai Abdullahi Kasim and would call me ‘MAK’ so I just decided to go with it. Kasim was also a nickname.

You were using the name Abdullahi Masai at Hope FM, why?

Because, as much as it was a Christian station, producers thought it was interesting since it would raise questions. But later on I went through the legal process and changed my names completely.

What happened to your parents?

It was complicated as I have come to find out through asking around. My mother gave me up when I was seven months old, to my foster mother Mary, who was a missionary under African Mission Church.

Why did she give you up?

I have been trying to dig up details in the past few years. I’m told she was a teenager then, and she couldn’t raise me up then because she was not ready for the responsibility, and her family was against it too.

How about your father?

I have been following leads too, it’s been hard, but I know with time things will fall into place. I am yet to find out the full details on that.

Do you know where they are?

Yes, I have met my real mum Fatuma Abdullahi, a couple of times, a beautiful lady she is. She lives in the UK and ironically, so does my foster mother. In fact, she paid tuition for my last two years of college.

And you were okay with that after all that time?

It was difficult for me to accept that at first, but I desperately needed the money then so I had no choice.

How was your upbringing like?

By the way I’m one person who has grown up without problems. I was raised in the church and in a Christian way.

I was in the African Children Choir and toured the US in the early 90’s performing in front of thousands of people in churches.

For how long did you stay with your foster mother?

Until I was 15, back in 2001. She went back to the UK to spend time with her ailing mother, who passed on three years later.

Were you ever bitter knowing that your mother did not take the responsibility to raise you?

Well, while growing up, yes. But I have since overcome that and after soul searching, I have finally accepted myself the way I am.

I know every information that I have always wanted to know will come in at the right time.

Okay, it’s your first time on TV, how did you get there?

While doing social communication in college, at Tangaza in Karen, I got internship at Hope FM.

After college I went to Radio Africa before later joining NTV almost three years ago.

What’s the significance of the golden bling on your ring finger?

It has initials MW, for Mary Wight. My foster mother gave it to me, a gift she got from her grandmother. I wear it because I don’t want to place it somewhere then lose it.

You agree that girls go ga! ga! when they see you...

Hehe, I relate very well with girls. The same way I enjoy the company of the guys I grew up with.

Are you seeing someone?

Can we talk about it later?

Okay, what has been the most challenging thing in news anchoring?

Being paranoid that everyone is looking at you, even when they are not.

How would you describe your personality?

I’m a humble, down-to-earth, but fun loving guy. I hate comfort zones. Five years from now if I realise I’m in a comfort zone career-wise, I will move on to face other challenges.

What makes you want to live another day?

Knowing there’s that one thing that God wants me to do tomorrow to make life better, and nobody else can do it.

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