It all began with a Facebook post where Karangu Muraya, a popular philanthropist, social media influencer, and brand ambassador, declared himself a polygamist to put to rest rumours about a "second wife."
However, this declaration has since spiralled into a storm that now threatens to unravel his 13-year marriage.
For the past week, social media has been ablaze with a scandalous and explosive expose of Karangu's marriage. The story took a dramatic turn when his 34-year-old wife, Trizah Njeri, appeared on a live TikTok stream, shedding light on the turbulent marriage and making shocking revelations about the other side of Mount Kenya's beloved Akorino philanthropist.
In the viral live session, which quickly became dubbed as "TikTok Court," Trizah confronted her husband with accusations of infidelity, abandonment, polygamy, and the emotional pain she has suffered since Karangu met and married another woman.
The public airing of their marital issues left many stunned as Trizah painted a picture of her husband, who she claims abandoned her and their two children for a new woman, showing no respect for her in the process.
During the live stream, the evidently upset Trizah confronted her husband, accusing him of being unprepared for a polygamous marriage. Before her public outcry, Karangu was widely known for his philanthropic efforts and his ability to rally support for the sick and needy, often using his online influence to assist those in need. He also gained fame as a gospel musician and brand ambassador for mobile phone companies and repair shops.
Trizah, frustrated with a "fake" marriage, vented her anger, claiming that her husband, despite being a brand ambassador for mobile phones, had refused to either buy her a new phone or repair her broken one. She asserted that she had been forced offline due to her husband's manipulation.
"I'm not ready to stay in a polygamous marriage. I will leave him to her, and I won't bother them. I just ask that boundaries be set where my children are concerned," Trizah stated during her TikTok live session.
Earlier this month, Karangu publicly announced his decision to marry a second wife, a revelation that sparked mixed reactions among his social media followers. In response, Trizah accused her husband of subjecting her to public ridicule, claiming that the second wife had been insulting her, calling her uncultured.
Trizah also accused Karangu of abandoning her and their children in their village home in Gatundu South to move in with his new partner. "For the past year, you've left us and settled with her. All I want is what's rightfully mine and for my children's sake. I want a divorce. You've caused me so much pain," she said.
"I've pretended to live a perfect life to protect your reputation, but I can't do it anymore. I want to leave you with her," she added.
However, Karangu has refused to entertain the idea of divorce, requesting instead that a meeting be arranged with both families to discuss the matter.
"Why would we sit down with parents when you didn't involve anyone when you married a second wife?" Trizah shot back. "I'm no longer interested in this marriage. I have my life to live. I'm only 34 years old," she added, making it clear that she had had enough.
The tension escalated as Trizah accused Karangu of not staying in their home for extended periods and denying her conjugal rights. She further alleged that he had abandoned her and the children after marrying a woman who had ended her own marriage in just six months.
Before the TikTok confrontation, Trizah had gone live on Facebook, revealing that she had been contemplating suicide due to the ongoing marital issues.
The online revelations have shattered the image of the perfect marriage that Karangu had portrayed to his followers. "He used to come here, take photos with our children for social media, but would never spend more than two hours with them. I've been trying to cover for him, but I can't do it anymore. He wants his followers to insult me, wants me to return so he can ridicule me," Trizah explained.
The explosive videos sparked outrage among netizens, who were quick to rally behind Trizah, raising a significant amount of money to support her.
In response, Karangu, seemingly unshaken by his wife's outbursts, made a statement on social media: "May God give you more energy to insult me, but one day, I will speak, and the truth will come out. I'll embarrass you all when you realise you were insulting me for nothing."
Recognising the growing public backlash, Karangu reached out to his long-time friend, Aunt Essy, on Facebook, pleading for her help in calming his wife's anger. "Dear Tata Essy, you know you are my friend, and a friend to my family for many years. I know you are with my wife, and she is in safe hands. Please, talk to her, let her return to me and our children. We need her, please hear my request. God of marriage, please restore mine," Karangu wrote.
In an interview with popular Facebook personality Baruthi, Karangu confirmed his second marriage, further fanning the flames of controversy.
In a show of solidarity with Trizah, online supporters raised over Sh1 million to help her through the turmoil. One contributor, Wanja Nyarari, suggested that Trizah could use the funds to start a business, pointing out her potential in fashion and catering. "She has the opportunity to create her own brand and think beyond competition. She must guard her heart and avoid people who manipulate her. This is her time to rise, not be held back," Wanja wrote.
Netizen Ndungu Nyoro offered advice to Karangu, urging him to take a break from social media and focus on repairing his marriage. "Forget the noise on social media for now. Take Trizah on a five-day holiday to a discreet location. Leave your phones at home and let her vent. Listen, don't respond. Just let her speak her truth," Ndungu suggested.
