Kenya is awash with grief, but also fury, after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua a.k.a Riggy G posted a glowing tribute to fallen TikTok comedian Zachariah Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe—a tribute many say came too late.
What was meant to be a solemn message of condolence has ignited a firestorm of public backlash. Riggy G, who described KK as “a content creator par excellence” in a polished post accompanied by a black-and-white portrait, is being accused of performative mourning—of only recognizing KK’s talent in death, after offering no visible support in life.
Kenyans online have not held back. “Where were you when he was alive, struggling?” one user asked. Another wrote, “You honor him now, but ignored him when he needed help. This isn’t tribute. It’s damage control.”
To many, KK Mwenyewe wasn’t just a comedian—he was a voice of truth in satire, a mirror to politics, and a symbol of Kenya’s youth creativity.
His untimely death at 23, and the outpouring of love now, has left the country asking: Why do we only celebrate our own after they’re gone?
Journey Of KK Mwenyewe : From University Lecture Halls to National Fame
Zachariah Kariuki—better known as KK Mwenyewe—was a third-year Computer Science student at Kisii University when he unknowingly began the ascent to viral stardom. Everything changed in 2022, when he posted a low‑budget TikTok skit impersonating former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alias Riggy G
In a shabby suit and padded belly, he mimicked Gachagua’s voice, accent, and gestures with uncanny precision. The result? A comedic storm: watched, laughed at, and shared by hundreds of thousands of Kenyans almost overnight.
What Made Him Stand Out
- Spot-on mimicry: From cadence to vocabulary, his impersonations captured the quirks of politics in a way few dared—and he did it fearlessly.
- Satire that resonated: He didn’t just mimic—he injected everyday observations about Kenyan life, politics, and society into his humor, making it relatable and reflective.
- Relatable settings: Filmed in dorm rooms and guarded by raw editing, his content defied polish but commanded authenticity and intimacy.
Rapid Ascent
- Within weeks, KK’s videos went from campus halls to national timelines.
- His TikTok following soared past 77,000, eventually topping 1.1 million, with Facebook followers exceeding 400,000 by 2025.
- Even Governor Johnson Sakaja stepped in to clear his university fees—a testament to how much his creativity had already captured public attention.
More Than a Riggy G Look‑alike: A Cultural Voice
KK was more than a comedic impersonator—he became Kenya’s satirical mirror, speaking in humor while reflecting societal truths.
His brand of comedy offered both entertainment and commentary, resonating deeply with youth and political watchers alike.
