Edgar Obare Biography: Net Worth, Age, Girlfriend, Height, Controversies & Awards

Edgar Obare is a Kenyan blogger, content creator, and software engineer who transformed the digital landscape of East African entertainment through his investigative vlogging.

He climbed to national fame by launching the Bandana News Network (BNN), a platform dedicated to exposing celebrity scandals and addressing sensitive social issues that traditional media often overlooked.

His rise was fueled by his “tea-master” persona, where he utilized a network of anonymous contributors to break major stories, including the widely discussed “wash wash” business exposés.

By shifting from travel vlogging to citizen journalism, he established a massive online following that relies on his Telegram and Instagram channels for real-time updates on public figures.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Edgar Obare Onyango
• NickName: The Tea Master
• Date of Birth: December 10, 1991
• Age: 34 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Kisumu, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Profession: Blogger, Software Engineer, Digital Creator
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Single
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: Luo
• Net Worth: 30,000,000 Kenyan Shillings

Early Life and Education

Edgar Obare is now at the age of 34 and was born on December 10, 1991.

He spent his early years in Kisumu, Kenya, growing up in a middle-class environment that prioritized academic excellence.

While he has remained private regarding the specific name of his parents and siblings, he often credits his disciplined upbringing for his analytical approach to information.

He is of Luo ethnicity and was raised within the Christian faith.

For his secondary education, he attended the prestigious Moi High School, Kabarak, graduating in 2009.

He then enrolled at the United States International University (USIU) Africa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Technology in 2014.

Seeking to advance his technical skills, he moved to Italy to attend the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, where he completed a Master’s degree in Computer Science in 2019.

Personal Life

Edgar Obare’s personal life is characterized by a high degree of secrecy, a choice he maintains due to the sensitive nature of his work.

He is currently not married and has no children.

His most documented past relationship was with Wacera Nyaguthie Murage; the pair met in 2015 and dated for a year before a brief separation.

They rekindled their romance in 2018, but the relationship ultimately ended.

Since then, he has not publicly introduced a partner or spouse.

In recent years, he has reportedly relocated to the United States, citing safety concerns and legal pressures in Kenya.

Career

Edgar Obare’s career began in the technology sector, where he worked as a web developer and IT support technician for various firms in Nairobi, including Kul Graphics.

During his postgraduate studies in Italy, he started vlogging about his travels across Europe, but these videos initially struggled to find a large audience.

Upon returning to Kenya, he pivoted to celebrity news and gossip, founding BNN LTD.

His brand grew rapidly on Instagram and Telegram, where he introduced a subscription-based model for “premium” content.

He has successfully utilized his software engineering background to build a resilient digital infrastructure for his news network, allowing him to bypass multiple account deactivations by social media platforms.

In December 2025, he announced his intention to sell all digital assets and trademarks associated with the BNN brand.

Awards

• Blogger of the Year (2020)
• Blogger of the Year (2021)
• Blogger of the Year (2022)
• Inaugural Africa Digital Influencer Award Winner (2021)

Net Worth

Edgar Obare’s net Worth is estimated at 30,000,000 Kenyan Shillings.

This figure is derived from several years of high-volume ad revenue from his YouTube and Instagram platforms, as well as monthly subscription fees from his BNN Premium Telegram channel.

Controversy

Edgar Obare is perhaps the most controversial digital figure in Kenya, having been arrested and detained on multiple occasions.

In 2020, he was arrested for revealing the travel details of a high-ranking government official, a case that sparked nationwide debate over digital privacy.

He has faced numerous defamation lawsuits from celebrities and business moguls who claim his exposés are malicious.

In November 2025, a Nairobi court found him liable for publishing false statements about model Bernice Nunah and businessman Kelvin Kaume, resulting in a heavy financial penalty.

Furthermore, his “wash wash” series, which alleged widespread money laundering among Kenyan elites, led to his Instagram account being deactivated several times and prompted significant threats against his safety.

Social Media

• Instagram: @uncledgar
• X: @edgarobare
• TikTok: @edgarobare
• YouTube: Edgar Obare