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Numerous events have characterized the year, some good and others not. Here is a list of celebrities that got the world talking in one way or another.
Zari the boss lady
In March of 2022, Netflix released Young Famous & African reality show that took the globe by storm.
Featuring in the series was South African-based Ugandan businesswoman Zari Hassan who acted alongside her ex-boyfriend, singer Diamond Platnumz. The others included Nigerian actress Annie Idibia and her husband Innocent' 2baba' Idibia, media personality Khanyi Mbau, South African DJ Naked Masina, his girlfriend Kayleigh Schwark, Zimbabwean rapper Nadia Nakai, Andile Ncube, and Nigerian superstar stylist Swanky Jerry.
The self-proclaimed Boss Lady let the world in on her life during the show and many fell in love with her. Despite being at loggerheads with some cast members, the mother of five not only made headlines but was also applauded for her eloquence and poise throughout the show and for living up to her name, the Boss lady.
Charlene Ruto
President William Ruto's daughter, Charleen Ruto, has been making headlines endlessly for various reasons since her father assumed office in September.
Recently, Kenya's first daughter stirred up social media after introducing her team at the 'First Daughter's office', something citizens were shocked to know existed.
Although many applauded her for the good work she has been doing, others accused her of using taxpayers' money to fund her office.
Responding to the allegations, the Ms. Ruto stated that the Office of the First Daughter was a private entity.
"The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity. It is neither a constitutional office nor is it being funded by Kenyan taxpayers. The office runs to purely facilitate the activities of & any programs being run by Ms. Charlene Ruto," read the statement.
Mwai Kibaki
The nation was sent into deep mourning in April following the death of the Third President of Kenya, His Excellency Mwai Kibaki.
Thousands of citizens made their way to the Parliament building to pay their last respects, while numerous others took to social media to remember his deed during his reign.
"Go well, Mr President! You served your country well" wrote Langata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor.
Willis Raburu took to social media to pay tribute by posting a picture of the late president with the caption, "Rest easy Mr President! H.E Stanley Emilio Mwai Kibaki."
Vera Sidika
Although a few Kenyan celebrities are known to chase clout whenever they want to draw attention to themselves, Vera Sidika decided to do exactly that but with a crazy twist.
The socialite decided to use her most precious assets to chase clout by claiming she had removed her butt implants which many fell for, only to release a song after.
"This has been the hardest phase in my life, due to health risks and complications, I had to undergo surgery. It's still very unbelievable but I've come to terms with it and learnt to love myself regardless. Ladies please learn to love yourself and don't ever let peer pressure rush you into things that will ruin you in future. I'm lucky to be alive, God loves me so much. Honestly it has been pretty hard, I didn't even celebrate my birthday this year," she posted on Instagram.
This resulted in a backlash that got her video more dislikes than likes on YouTube.
Ferdinand Omanyala
Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala was almost left out in the World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon, back in July after his visa was delayed.
The incident caused an uproar on social media as netizens blamed the sports sector for prioritizing other individuals and leaving out the show's star.
Despite the inconvenience, Omanyala travelled last minute to defend his title as the fasted man in Africa with a time of 9.77
"There are always two sides of a race: you either win or lose. So, I always visualize both, so that when I get into a race and something happens, it doesn't hit me that hard because I've already visualized that," he said in an interview with CNN.
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