Mike Muchiri Rebrands as Ziya in Bold Personal and Creative Shift

Kenyan content creator Mike Muchiri has unveiled a dramatic rebrand, now identifying as Ziya, and has wiped his entire archive of comedic content from social media in what appears to be a deeply personal transformation.

The move comes after weeks of online speculation sparked by a photo of Muchiri wearing a crop top—a post that ignited both curiosity and criticism. While the image drew widespread attention, Muchiri had previously expressed a desire to live in alignment with his inner child and future self.

Adopting the name Ziya, he marked the transition with a cryptic Instagram caption: “Ziya. What’s in a name? Watch closely.” His bio now reads, “I was someone else before. Now, I’m Ziya. And this is just the beginning,” signaling a clear break from his past persona.

The change was foreshadowed by an uncharacteristic pause in content creation, followed by a complete purge of his skits—including the widely loved Mama Maiko series—on March 13, 2025. Only three photos remain on his Instagram, one being the crop top image, and another captioned “NAFSI HURU” (Swahili for “Free Spirit”), further hinting at a rebirth in identity and purpose.

Muchiri’s sudden disappearance from comedy was met with concern and heartbreak from fans. Many speculated about the toll of online backlash, with messages expressing both sadness and support. Some feared they may never see another Mama Maiko video again.

Before this transformation, Muchiri had carved out a successful niche in the digital space, blending biomedical knowledge with humor to entertain and educate. He often spoke openly about the financial rewards of online content creation, positioning himself as a role model for young creatives.

But now, Ziya seems to be stepping into a new chapter—one less about performance and more about personal truth. In a statement following the rebrand, he reflected on a journey of healing and authenticity:

“In the end, it was never about perfection—it was about truth. About making the little one proud and the older one at peace.”

Ziya’s message alludes to a deeper evolution beyond content—a commitment to self-compassion, vulnerability, and a life lived on one’s own terms.

Whether this marks the end of an era or the beginning of something new, one thing is clear: Mike Muchiri may have stepped back, but Ziya is stepping forward.