Tears and Tributes as Creatives Honour KK Mwenyewe at Nairobi Memorial

On Monday, July 21, members of Kenya’s creative industry gathered at Blue Springs Hotel in Nairobi to pay tribute to fallen comedian Zakaria Kariuki, better known by his stage name KK Mwenyewe. The 23-year-old rising star passed away on July 14, 2025, following a short illness.

The emotional memorial brought together friends, fellow comedians, politicians, and supporters who came to honour KK’s life and legacy. Best known for his spot-on impersonations of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, KK quickly rose to national prominence through his relatable humour and social commentary. But beyond the laughter, many remembered him as the sole provider for his family, including his elderly grandmother.

Leaders Step Forward with Financial Support

In a powerful show of solidarity, several political leaders led fundraising efforts to support KK’s family and funeral preparations. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Programmes and Creative Economy Coordination, announced that President William Ruto had donated Ksh1 million to the family.

“President Ruto donated Sh1 million to the family of KK Mwenyewe,” Itumbi told mourners, noting that the contribution helped push the fundraiser beyond its initial Ksh1.2 million target, eventually surpassing Ksh1.5 million.

Other contributions included:

• Sh200,000 from Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika

• Sh100,000 from Itumbi

• Sh100,000 from Itumbi’s “Radical” team and MCAs

• Sh100,000 from Lari MP Mburu Kahangara

• Sh100,000 pledged by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah

Itumbi also promised to visit KK’s mother in Gathiroini, Lari, on Tuesday, July 22 to personally deliver condolences and reassurances of continued support on behalf of the president and the creative sector. KK Mwenyewe will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 23.

Personal Reflections and a Call to Action

The memorial service was punctuated by emotional tributes from those closest to KK. His girlfriend, Pauline, addressed mourners with a heartfelt message of gratitude for the overwhelming support, adding a poignant and deeply personal moment to the ceremony.

Content creator Kabugi, a close friend and colleague, called on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to extend support to the family of the young man who had humorously portrayed him and brought joy to thousands.

Comedian Eric Omondi, who had already visited KK’s family, made an impassioned plea to the entertainment industry and the wider public to rally around the bereaved family.

“They are not okay,” he said. “We lost our brother abruptly. No one saw it coming. It caught his mum and the family completely off guard. We want to stand with them in mourning and, more importantly, help them financially so they can give our brother a decent burial.”

He urged fellow comedians to lead by example: “We should be the first to contribute. Myself, Kabugi, Mulamwah, Churchill, Butita—you know yourselves.”

KK Mwenyewe had recently completed his university studies and was pursuing content creation full-time before his untimely death.

As tributes continue to pour in, the outpouring of love and support at the memorial underscored just how deeply the young comedian touched lives—through laughter, humility, and the promise of a future cut tragically short.