Heckles, grief mark comedian KK's final send off

The casket beating the remains of comedian Zachariah Kariuki alias KK Mwenyewe. [George Njunge Standard]

A cloud of sorrow descended on Bibirioni village in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County, as hundreds of mourners—led by fellow content creators—gathered to bid farewell to Zacharia Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe.

Kariuki rose to fame for his comedic impersonations of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which he shared widely online, earning him admiration across the country.

He died recently after a short illness and was laid to rest at his family’s home, about 20 kilometers off the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

Fans braved the chilly Lari weather, escorting his body from Uphome Funeral Home to its final resting place.

The funeral drew a large crowd of digital content creators and mainstream media personnel who came to honor the 29-year-old. At times, however, the somber ceremony took a political turn.

In her emotional tribute, Kariuki’s mother, Dorcus Waithira, expressed heartbreak and pride in her late son.

“You used your tongue and talents to touch lives far and wide. You lived with purpose, with passion, and joy that was contagious. The silence is loud with your absence and voice. Rest well, my son—you ran your race with grace and left footprints on many hearts,” she said.

Dennis Itumbi addresses mourners during comedian Zachariah Kariuki's funeral. [George Njunge Standard]

Political drama unfolds

Tensions rose when political figures, including Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, took to the podium. Shouts of wantam (one term) interrupted speeches, with mourners and content creators accusing the government of neglecting the creative industry and failing to properly monetize digital content.

Despite the jeers, Itumbi maintained composure, pledging support for Kariuki’s family. “We are working seriously on how to monetize content in this country. As a government, we are doing away with the digital service tax,” said Itumbi.

He faced chants of “uwongo!” (lies) from a section of the crowd, while others clapped in support. Attempting to calm tensions, he added: “Even if people shout ‘one term’ at me, content creators are here for life.”

He also promised to support Kariuki’s sister through university education.

Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi, who introduced political leaders to the gathering, delivered condolences from Deputy President Gachagua, who is currently in the U.S. Mwathi used the moment to criticize the Kenya Kwanza government’s handling of youth protests.

“We are holding this country in trust for our young people and future generations. The continued and accelerated killing of our youths by the Kenya Kwanza government is hurting us deeply,” he said.

He added: “What these young people want is someone to listen to them, not bullets and boots. We summarily condemn these atrocities.”

In a veiled jab at Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Mwathi called for restraint among politicians when addressing sensitive issues, referencing recent remarks made by Ichung’wah against Pastor Dorcas Gachagua.