Ajib Gathoni Stuns Fans with KSh 2.5M Payday, Sparks Tax Debate Online

Ajib Gathoni recently sent shockwaves across social media after revealing she bagged a staggering KSh 2.5 million (roughly £15,000) from a single campaign — which she cheekily described as “tax-free” during a light-hearted conversation with Festive Bread Kenya.

Delivered with her trademark confidence, the revelation was met with a flurry of reactions online, reigniting conversations around influencer earnings and tax compliance in Kenya.

Fans Cheer, Critics Question

On X (formerly Twitter), Kenyans had mixed feelings about Ajib’s financial flex.

Supporters applauded her success:

  • @NairobiStar: “Ajib’s killing it! £15K in one go? That’s proper graft. #Inspiration”

  • @254Vibes: “She dodged the drama and built an empire. Queen moves!”

But skeptics raised eyebrows:

  • @TruthTellerKE: “KSh 2.5M tax-free? Sounds dodgy. Is she dodging KRA?”

  • @SkepticNairobi: “Dancing pays that much? What’s the real story behind that cash?”

The KRA Angle: Are Influencers Really Tax-Free?

Ajib’s offhand “tax-free” remark triggered serious discussion about digital income regulation in Kenya. Influencers are far from exempt under Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) laws.

Here’s what content creators like Ajib are expected to pay:

  • 1.5% Digital Service Tax (DST) on income from digital platforms.

  • Income tax ranging from 10–30% depending on earnings.

  • 16% VAT if annual turnover exceeds KSh 5 million.

  • 15% withholding tax on digital content earnings (as per the 2023 Finance Act).

Failure to comply or file returns by June 30 attracts penalties — KSh 2,000 or 5% of the unpaid tax, whichever is higher. The KRA has also ramped up social media monitoring, and Ajib’s comment may have inadvertently drawn attention to her compliance status.

Ajib’s Hustle: Discipline, Prayer, and Going Silent

Despite the scrutiny, Ajib remains a poster child for digital hustle done right.

When asked how she balances fame and financial success in a 2022 Q&A, she credited “prayer, consistency, and patience,” adding that she avoids “energy-draining situations” and always welcomes new opportunities.

Ajib first captured the spotlight through viral dance clips with then-boyfriend Josh Wonder, turning their chemistry into a fan-favorite brand. Even after their highly publicized breakup—amid accusations of infidelity—Ajib chose silence over scandal and channeled her energy into building her solo brand.

Today, with nearly a million followers on TikTok, major brand deals, and growing accolades, Ajib stands as a symbol of digital-age success—albeit one now facing questions about transparency in an increasingly regulated influencer economy.

Ajib Gathoni’s Smart Approach to Handling Criticism

Ajib Gathoni began her dance journey with a church crew in Mombasa and has since risen to prominence as a dancer, brand influencer, and content creator, especially on TikTok. Her fame, which took off in 2020 and brought her paid dance opportunities, also introduced her to public criticism, a challenge many celebrities face.

In a recent interview on the Cre8 podcast, Ajib discussed her approach to handling negative feedback. “If anyone’s got medals for ignoring criticism, it’s me,” she noted. She elaborated, “I wouldn’t give anyone airtime because the moment you react, they think, ‘Game on.’”

CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/ajib-gathoni-expresses-admiration-for-her-polygamous-father/

Avoiding confrontation is her strategy. “I’m not confrontational at all,” she said, adding, “Naogopa. Sure, I could be, but I choose not to. To me, it’s just not worth it.” She emphasized the importance of developing a thick skin in her profession.

“You definitely need it,” she shared, explaining that she faces critiques not just on her appearance but also on her creative work. While she tries to ignore these comments, she does reflect on constructive feedback, which she finds valuable for self-improvement.

Ajib also sets boundaries with critics who go too far: “If someone makes me second-guess myself, I block them. I don’t need that energy.” Reflecting on her past responses to cyberbullying, she admitted she once reacted pettily but now prefers to handle it differently. “Now, I welcome feedback if it’s constructive and includes solutions. Those are the conversations worth having. But if someone comes at me aggressively, they’re just being mean.”

ALSO CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/why-ajib-gathoni-25-intends-to-opt-for-induced-menopause/

Ajib Gathoni Expresses Admiration for Her Polygamous Father

Here are a few interesting things you might not know about Ms. Gathoni:

Many people don’t realize that I’m from the Coast, specifically the Digo community, but I understand the confusion because of my name. It’s because my mother is from ‘Murima.’

CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/why-ajib-gathoni-25-intends-to-opt-for-induced-menopause/

Sadly, my parents separated, but I have immense respect for my father. He had four wives, with my mother being the youngest.

I truly admire him. What amazes me is how he managed to create harmony among all his wives and children. He made us love one another, and we lived together peacefully for many years.

Maybe the harmony had something to do with Islam, I’m not sure. I was born into Islam, but after my parents separated, my mother converted to Christianity.

I’ll be honest, in our large family, I have so many siblings, some of whom I don’t even know, which is why I can’t say exactly how many we are. But what I do know is that I was never fortunate enough to have a brother.

Yes, I do go clubbing with my mother. People find that strange, but whenever I invite her to a party, she always shows up and has a great time. She’s my biggest supporter.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/tiktoker-ajib-gathoni-made-sh210k-in-just-3-minutes-from-a-single-livestream/

During the Covid-19 pandemic, my mother fell ill with a tumor that was initially thought to be cancerous. She had to be flown to India for treatment. Ever since then, she encourages me to live life to the fullest, which is why she never misses a party.

I started waist-whining on TikTok out of boredom and received mixed reactions. Some people criticized me, while others encouraged me to keep going. I didn’t understand the criticism because waist-whining is a normal thing on the Coast.

Recently, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis, which I’d describe as a cousin of endometriosis, but not as severe. It only affects me during my period. In my case, my uterine wall has blood clots that become active during menstruation, which causes me to experience double the pain.

I’ve tried different medications, but none have worked so far. My gynecologist advised me to change my lifestyle, exercise more, and avoid certain things during my period.

One suggestion from the doctor was to get pregnant, which would relieve the symptoms for the nine months without periods.

A more permanent solution would be to have my uterus removed or undergo induced menopause. Since the issue is related to having periods, I might as well not have them at all.

Why Ajib Gathoni, 25, Intends to Opt for Induced Menopause

Popular TikTok dancer Ajib Gathoni has revealed that she is considering induced menopause to manage her struggle with adenomyosis, a condition she was diagnosed with last month. The 25-year-old shared the harrowing experience of enduring severe pain during her menstrual periods.

“That sudden sharp pain in your rectum during periods has to be one of the worst experiences,” she posted on social media, describing the additional suffering she faces beyond the usual menstrual cramps.

CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/tiktoker-ajib-gathoni-made-sh210k-in-just-3-minutes-from-a-single-livestream/

Despite trying multiple medications without much relief, Ajib is now contemplating induced menopause as a more permanent solution. “It’s similar to endometriosis but not as intense. My uterine wall has blood clots that bleed during my period, causing double the pain,” she explained recently.

Ajib also shared that, under her gynecologist’s guidance, she has made lifestyle adjustments such as increased exercise, dietary changes, and avoiding specific foods during her periods.

“One option is to get pregnant, but that would only offer temporary relief for nine months while I’m not menstruating,” she added.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/fans-tear-at-how-tiktok-star-ajib-gathoni-looks-without-makeup/

As her next check-up approaches in October, Ajib is already exploring permanent solutions, including forced menopause. “I’ve tried all the medications, but none have worked. The permanent solution could be removing my uterus or going through induced menopause. If the issue is my periods, I might as well not have them. If it becomes necessary and the doctor advises it, I’ll do it,” said the TikTok star, who boasts 1.4 million followers.

Induced menopause occurs through surgery when both ovaries are removed before the body naturally stops ovarian function.

TikToker Ajib Gathoni Made Sh210k in Just 3 Minutes From a Single Livestream

TikToker Ajib Gathoni recently revealed that she earned KSh 210,000 from a single TikTok live session. Speaking on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Ajib shared that the live stream, which took place on her birthday, was her first and only one.

“In 2022, I did my first live stream on my birthday, and within just 3 minutes, I made 210k,” Ajib said.

CHECK OUT:

https://www.ghafla.co.ke/ke/fans-tear-at-how-tiktok-star-ajib-gathoni-looks-without-makeup/

She also opened up about her health struggles with Adenomyosis, a condition she had previously mentioned.

Ajib explained, “I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis, where the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine muscles. While it’s not necessarily harmful, it causes heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding along with severe cramping.”

Currently undergoing treatment, Ajib noted that despite some relief, she still experiences pain. “I was prescribed medication to take before and during my menstrual period. My next appointment is in October for a follow-up,” she wrote.

She emphasized that the condition can be managed with the right medication, a proper diet, and exercise.

Fans tear at how TikTok star Ajib Gathoni looks without makeup

Ajib Gathoni for the longest time has been the talk of the town because she is a beauty who took over tik-tok in fact it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that her beauty is the reason why she was able to dominate social media. Every Kenyan man wants to get with her and every Kenyan woman wants to look like her.

A fan of hers recently posted a video that featured her without her normal makeup on and the disparity in looks between how she does on social media with her filters on plus the makeup versus how she looks in real life is just jarring. The word catfish comes to mind and Kenyan fans made the connection to that very adjective.

Check out the video of Ajib Gathoni chilling without any makeup on below. Do you think she over-utilizes filters and makeup for her photos or do you think the haters are just getting at her?

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