Comedian Paul Wakimani confirms Sh21 million suit by Ayeiya’s family

Paul 'Wakimani' Ogutu [Photo: Courtesy]

Former Churchill Show comedian Paul 'Wakimani' Ogutu has opened up about a suit initiated by the family of the late Emmanuel Makori popularly known as Ayeiya over the latter's demise in 2017 following a tragic accident along Magadi Road, near the Catholic University of East Africa. Confirming the reports that were first made public by comedienne Zainabu Zeddy during an interview with Kiss 100 presenter Jalang'o, Wakimani disclosed that he sank into depression after the accident that cut short the life of the fast-rising comedian famed for the Ayeiya Poa Poa catchphrase who was on his way home to Rongai from a Churchill Show recording in the company of his wife. Wakimani was behind the wheel that fateful night.

"What Zeddy said about in that show is very true. I'm at a point in my life where I am trying to bring myself up,” he said. According to Wakimani, he was shocked when he learned of the suit soon after Ayeiya’s burial. "After the accident, we buried Ayeiya and I thought everyone understood that it was an accident. However, after a week or two, Ayeiya's wife contacted me and told me that she had a letter addressed to me," he added.  In the letter, Wakimani was accused of being responsible for the late comic’s death and instructed to pay Sh21 million. "I met her the following day and she served me with a court order indicating that I am supposed to pay Sh21 million for killing her husband," said the comedian. According to the letter, a calculation was drafted that concluded that Ayeiya was earning Ksh300,000 every month and would have retired at the age of 55.