Award-winning actor Davis Mwabili has expressed mixed emotions regarding the designation of miniature products in Kenya as Mwala, a moniker derived from his long-running Citizen TV show, Inspekta Mwala.
In an interview with Radio47’s Mbaruk Mwalimu, Inspekta Mwala expressed surprise that across the country, any product that is not of conventional size is referred to as Mwala in tribute to his short stature.
Inspekta Mwala shared that he previously sought to determine if he was eligible for monetary compensation from manufacturers but was, however, informed that his fans were the ones designating the products i.e. half-sodas as ka-Mwala.
“Hizi soda zote ndogo zinaitwa ka-Mwala mpaka nastaajabu. Ningekuwa nalipwa, saa hizi ningekuwa natembea juu juu. Lakini walianiambia sio sisi ni wateja. Wateja walikufurahia wewe,” said Inspekta Mwala.
He noted that the use of the name Mwala to denote anything diminutive is so deeply ingrained that some of his fans cannot differentiate and label anything, including other short-statured individuals, as Mwala.
To demonstrate this, the veteran actor recently clarified to an admirer that the name is solely his and that any other characterization could lead to legal challenges.
“Nilikuwa nimekaa nimetulia. Bwana mmoja akaja, akaniuliza ‘hivi Mwala ni jina lako?’ Nikamjibu, ‘kwani ulikuwa wataka liwe lako?’ Akaniambia alikuwa anafikiria watu wote wafupi huitwa Mwala! Akaendelea, ‘Kumbe ni jina lako!’ Nikamwuliza kwani uliita mwingine Mwala? Akanijibu ‘eeh!'” He narrated.
The father of two went on: “Nikamwambia mimi ndiye Mwala na ukiskia mtu mwingine anaitwa hivyo anahitaji kupelekwa mahakamani. Alibaki amejiendea tu akiwa ameduwaa. Nilimwambia mimi ndiye huyo. Mwala ndiye mimi wala siibadilishi.”
Nonetheless, he indicated that he is honoured to be recognized for his illustrious acting career which is demonstrated by the influence his role as Inspekta Mwala has had on the Kenyan psyche.
