Stand-up comedian and media personality Steve Thompson Maghana, popularly known as Oga Obinna, has come out to raise concern over the whereabouts of Tanzanian teenager Baraka Joseph Machari, whose viral goat-like bleating captured the attention of thousands across East Africa.
Speaking in a heartfelt video shared via his official Instagram account on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Obinna revealed that Machari, who had earlier been hosted in Kenya by fellow content creator Dappa Mann, has mysteriously gone missing, just days after he boarded a bus back to Tanzania.
Obinna, who had been part of efforts to support the teenager’s wellbeing and reintegration back to school, narrated that Machari had spent some time at Dappa Mann’s residence as they made logistical arrangements for his return to Tanzania, including his transport.
“So, Mbuzi Man has gone missing. I do not know where he is. The story is this—he stayed over at Dappa Mann’s place for some time as we figured out a way to take him back to Tanzania. We got a bus for him, paid the fare and everything,” Obinna narrated.
According to Obinna, Baraka boarded a bus just a few days ago bound for Dar es Salaam, where Tanzanian influencer Chief Godlove was scheduled to receive him and extend further assistance, particularly to support his return to school.
“He boarded it and was to travel to Dar es Salaam, where Chief Godlove’s people were supposed to pick him up and take him to Tarime so he could shop and begin preparing to return to school,” Obinna said.
He added that since the young man boarded the bus, no one has heard from him, and repeated attempts to trace him through the bus company have not borne fruit.
“Since he boarded the bus, we have not heard from him. We have tried to reach the bus company. Godlove calls them, and they sometimes say they do not know him or that he is not there. I spoke to Godlove yesterday, and he said he would also post a video so that if any Tanzanian sees him, they can notify us,” Obinna added.
The comedian further called upon members of the public, both in Kenya and Tanzania, to remain alert and report any sightings of the boy.
He emphasised that the end goal is to ensure Machari returns to school and continues with his education.
“If any Kenyan sees him anywhere, just slide into the DMs and tell us you have found him so we can do our due diligence and ensure he goes back to school,” Obinna said.
