Gachagua Faces Backlash For Mourning Death Of KK Mwenyewe

Kenyans went after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who publicly mourned the death of rising comedian KK Mwenyewe, a performer best known for his viral impersonations of the same politician.

Zachariah Kariuki, known by his stage name KK Mwenyewe, died on Monday night at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital after a brief illness, according to longtime collaborator and fellow comedian Kafengo.

“I have this morning woken up to the sad demise of Mr. Zachariah Kariuki alias Mr. KK Mwenyewe, a content creator per excellence and inspiration to many,” Gachagua posted on July 15. “May his soul rest in eternal peace, and God grant his family peace.”

But many Kenyans online weren’t buying it.

Tribute Sparks Backlash

Though Gachagua praised the young entertainer as “consistent and resilient” in using comedy to inspire the nation, the condolence message sparked backlash, with many accusing the Deputy President of hypocrisy.

Eric Wamumbi, MP for Mathira, called out Gachagua directly, claiming the comedian once sought financial help for university fees and job opportunities but was dismissed.

“On 3rd November 2022, this guy was fundraising for his university school fees. I approached you and showed you his content… You said that the boy is trash; he wears an oversized coat, and that is a sign of disrespect to you. Wamumbi wrote on Facebook, referencing an incident where Gachagua allegedly rejected the comedian’s request due to his oversized blazer a satirical costume piece.

Also Read: Comedian KK Mwenyewe Dies After Short Illness

Comedian Arap Uria also weighed in saying “Mhesh why post him now yet you never gave him time when he needed you the most?”

A Divisive Legacy

KK Mwenyewe rose to national fame shortly after the Kenya Kwanza government took office, captivating online audiences with his sharp comedic timing and uncanny impressions of Gachagua’s voice and mannerisms.

Despite public calls for Gachagua to recognize the young comedian’s talent, no formal support ever materialized.

In a previous interview with journalist Jeff Kuria, Kariuki disclosed that efforts to reach the Deputy President were unsuccessful.

Now, in the wake of his death, criticism has mounted over what many perceive as performative grief.

“You failed to acknowledge him when he was alive, yet now you’re posting lengthy condolences,” X user Mugambi Amathi wrote. “Respect should be shown when it matters most, not just in death.”

Alinur Mohamed echoed the sentiment, “I remember very well how biased you were when you chose that lady over him. You could have supported both.”

Some Defend Gachagua

Not all reactions were negative. Some Kenyans cautioned against harsh judgment, arguing that parody, especially political satire is often difficult to support when it hits too close to home.

“Many people attacking Riggy G forget that maybe he didn’t like how the late comedian portrayed him and that’s okay,” posted user Mukoria on X. “Very few of us would have the tolerance to cheer someone making fun of us.”

Also Read: Deaths Reported as Mysterious Disease Hits Mombasa

Sam Muhoro also defended Gachagua, noting, “No one on earth really enjoys being the subject of parody… that he gave KK the liberty to do it without interference was already more than enough support.”

Remembering KK Mwenyewe

KK Mwenyewe was a graduate from Kisii University. Speaking during an interview with Dr. Ofweneke on TV 47, KK stated that he is studying Computer Science.

“I am a computer science student, people don’t think that I do that course, they think I’m a joker,” he said in his Riggy G character voice.

On TikTok he has over 1 million followers and close to 20 million likes, making him one of the fast-rising content creators on the platform.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen Digital, KK Mwenyewe said his friends pushed him into mimicking DP Gachagua.

He was not sure whether he’ll pull it off, but after consistent pressure from his friends, he decided to join an online challenge and emerged as an internet sensation with most of his videos going viral.

“It came super easy for me. My friends advised me to take up the Gachagua challenge and I pulled it off. I then decided to keep it up since everyone seems to be enjoying them so much,” he told the publication.

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