Dr. Ofweneke Opens Up About Selling Samosas to Survive the COVID-19 Crisis

Comedian and TV personality Dr. Ofweneke has revealed the financial struggles he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how he turned to selling samosas to support his family.

In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, Ofweneke reflected on the devastating impact the pandemic had on entertainers, particularly those who depended on live events.

“Our industry runs on crowds—we need people,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this, but during the COVID period, I sold samosas. At that point, nothing else mattered—what mattered was that samosas were selling.”

The timing was especially difficult for Ofweneke, who had just welcomed a newborn with his wife. With events canceled and income streams halted, he was forced to find any way to get by—even if it meant hawking snacks.

“My child was born just a month into the pandemic. I had married into a wealthy family, and the pressure was real. People had already told my wife, ‘Wasanii wameisha’—entertainers are done,” he shared.

The financial burden became overwhelming. For the first time, Ofweneke faced the threat of losing his belongings after failing to keep up with debt payments.

“I had nowhere to turn. Auctioneers showed up at my door. That had never happened to me before. I squeezed every last coin from my savings until there was nothing left,” he recalled.

The Broader Toll on Kenya’s Entertainment Industry

Kenya reported its first COVID-19 cases in March 2020, prompting nationwide lockdowns and curfews. Public gatherings were banned, effectively shutting down the entertainment sector overnight.

With no shows, no events, and no audiences, entertainers were left without a source of income. Many were forced to dip into their savings or turn to alternative ways of making a living.

A Shift Toward Digital Platforms

Despite the tough times, the pandemic also accelerated the growth of online content creation in Kenya. With more people staying home, demand for digital entertainment soared.

Several creatives seized the moment. Comedian Elsa Majimbo rose to global fame with her viral lockdown skits, while TikTok star Azziad Nasenya became a household name. Flaqo, known for his humorous and relatable videos, also gained major popularity during this period.

While the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, it also reshaped Kenya’s entertainment landscape—proving that adaptability and creativity could lead to unexpected opportunities.