A cloud of sorrow descended on Nyamweru village in Lari constituency, Kiambu county as hundreds of mourners gave Zacharia Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe, his final send-off.
Karikuki shot to fame after mimicking Rigathi Gachagua and building content online while acting as Rigathi Gachagua.
Kariuki died after suffering a short illness at a Kiambu hospital.
On Wednesday, thousands of his fans braved Lari’s chill to escort his body from Uphome funeral home to his family land in Nyamweru, approximately 20 kilometres off the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
In her tribute, Kariuki’s mother, Dorcas Waithira, said that even as she sat among the mourners, she had a broken heart despite being proud of the man KK had become.
“You used your tongue and talents to touch lives far and wide, you lived with purpose, with passion and joy that was contagious, the silence is loud with your absence and voice, rest well my son, you ran your race with grace and left footprints on many hearts,” Dorcus Waithira said
While addressing the crowd, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi said the government is committed to supporting young people earning through content creation.
He revealed plans to set up Saccos for content creators, which would allow them to access government funding, save money, and benefit from loan services.
Further, the government digital strategist said that the government would take care of Zachariah Kariuki’s crew and sister to the University level.
“We are working seriously on how to monetise content in this country, as a government, we are doing away with the digital service tax
However, some of the young creators expressed doubt about how soon the Saccos will be implemented and whether they will be sustainable. They urged the government to support them while they are still alive, instead of only showing concern after tragedy strikes.
They also called on both the national and county governments to empower content creators in the same way sports is prioritised at both national and grassroots levels.
In addition, they urged fellow Kenyans to respect and support their work, noting that not everyone can secure a white-collar job and that creativity should be recognised as a valid career path.
Speaking during today’s burial Mass, Catholic Church leaders also took the opportunity to call for prayers for the country, saying Kenya is not in a good state.
They expressed concern over the rising levels of frustration, inequality, and hardship, urging Kenyans to remain united and seek God’s guidance during these challenging times.
