Grieving grandmother and guardian of the late Kenyan TikTok sensation Brian Chira, Esther Njeri, has been left utterly heartbroken following the discovery that her grandson’s grave has been vandalized. This deeply upsetting incident has reopened fresh wounds for the elderly woman, who has struggled profoundly with the grief of losing Chira in a tragic road accident in March 2024.
During a recent visit to his burial site, Njeri was devastated to find that the grave had been desecrated. Chira’s framed portrait, which once adorned the headstone, had been completely shattered and strewn across the area, serving as a stark and painful symbol of the disrespectful act.
“Last Sunday, my brother came home and told me Chira’s grave had been destroyed,” she recalled, her voice heavy with emotion. “I couldn’t go immediately—it took me a day or two to find the strength. When I finally saw it for myself, I was shocked to find it had been like that for over a month.”
Unable to face such pain alone, she returned to the site accompanied by several TikTokers who have consistently stood by her side since Chira’s passing. Together, they documented the extent of the damage and offered comfort to Njeri as she collected a broken fragment of the shattered portrait.
Fighting back tears, she questioned the motives behind such a cruel act. “Why disturb him even in death?” she asked, a plea of anguish. She speculated that perhaps someone had hoped to unearth personal effects buried with him, highlighting a deep-seated fear of further desecration. Despite the heartbreak, she bravely vowed to replace the broken photo, determined to restore her grandson’s resting place.
“Chira Clan” Home: A Legacy Under Scrutiny
This deeply upsetting episode comes after a separate controversy erupted earlier this year surrounding Njeri’s plans to potentially sell the house built in Chira’s honour. In August 2024, TikTok fans collectively raised an impressive Sh8 million to construct the ‘Chira Clan’ home, fulfilling Chira’s cherished dream of providing his grandmother with a dignified and secure life.
However, in February, Njeri publicly stated she was considering selling the house and moving into a smaller container home, a decision that swiftly drew widespread backlash from netizens. Critics felt the proposed move would disrespect Chira’s memory and undermine the immense generosity of his devoted fanbase. Many argued passionately that the house was more than just property—it represented a tangible symbol of a community’s love and a lasting piece of Chira’s legacy. Several urged her to instead consider installing better security measures or renting out the home, rather than selling what had become a significant memorial.
In her defence, Njeri clarified that financial struggles were not the reason for her decision.
“I still have most of the money you gave me. I have food, clothes, and hair needs covered,” she stated, aiming to dispel any notions of destitution. She explained her primary concern was about security and increasing isolation. “Everyone knows who lives here, and it’s far from the road. I feel alone—no one visits anymore,” she lamented, expressing a deep sense of vulnerability and loneliness.
She also publicly assured the community that a significant portion of the remaining funds would be wisely used towards educating Chira’s younger brother, in accordance with her grandson’s heartfelt wishes, thereby upholding a crucial part of his legacy. Amid mounting public pressure and concern, Njeri eventually issued a public apology and promised to strengthen the house’s security with an additional fence, aiming to safeguard the legacy built by Chira’s loving community.

