Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be the first Kenyan politician to significantly profit from TikTok’s gifting feature after receiving a hefty amount during a live stream on June 27.
During the livestream, Gachagua engaged with supporters and launched sharp criticism at President William Ruto’s administration.
He received 78 Lion gifts, each worth Sh51,800 ($400), amounting to a total of Sh4,040,400.
However, after TikTok’s 50% commission, the former deputy president is estimated to have taken home Sh2,020,200.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has gained considerable support among Kenyans by vocally opposing the current government.
His recent TikTok earnings sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many users divided on whether he deserved the money.
H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, was gifted a total of 78 Lions by TikTok viewers yesterday on tiktok live, 1 lion costs 29,999 TikTok coins, In real money, it is 400 USD.
— KINGPIN (@kingpin_ke77) June 28, 2025
1USD =129.50 Ksh
Therefore: 400 × 129.5 = 51800×78 =Ksh4040400
Riggy G earned 4M yesterday.
Highlights of the live ?
“So why even send a politician money! Wakenya huni shangaza! Kwanza a billionaire,” one user posted on X.
Another added, “Achangie Boniface kule KNH - ICU. He doesn't need it.”
Others questioned the legitimacy of the donations.
“Uko sure sio wash wash. His ground men given money to later be gifted to him make it sound a gift and sanitize the money,” a user alleged.
Some social media users used the moment to reflect on the potential of collective Kenyan support online.
“If Kenyans did this to each other we would be making bank off of these apps, but no,” one user tweeted.
Gachagua now joins a growing list of Kenyans who have benefited from TikTok’s lucrative gifting feature.
In 2024, an anonymous user known as King Roso gifted several prominent TikTokers, including Nyako, who received 70 Lion gifts worth approximately Sh3.6 million.
After TikTok’s commission, she pocketed Sh1.5 million as a birthday gift.
The same user also contributed Sh850,000 during the burial of the late TikToker Brian Chira.
Fans of the late 23-year-old later came together and raised funds to build a house for his grandmother.