Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing backlash following his condolence message to the late comedian KK Mwenyewe.
Gachagua, who is currently on a trip to the United States, mourned the content creator in a post on X, describing him as a talented youth who used humour to connect with Kenyans.
“I have this morning woken up to the sad demise of Mr. Zachariah Kariuki alias Mr. KK Mwenyewe, a content creator per excellence and inspiration to many,” Gachagua posted on July 15.
“Mr. KK, a young, consistent, and resilient young man, used comedy to communicate simple and creative messages to all Kenyans and spoke to our hearts. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and his friends at this difficult moment,” he wrote.
But the message was met with criticism online, with many accusing him of failing to support KK while he was alive.
“Why recognize him in death when you couldn’t when he was alive?” asked Alinur Mohammed.
Eric Wamumbi, MP for Mathira, called out Gachagua directly, claiming the comedian once sought financial help for university fees and job opportunities but was dismissed.
“On 3rd November 2022, this guy was fundraising for his university school fees. I approached you and showed you his content… You said that the boy is trash; he wears an oversized coat, and that is a sign of disrespect to you,” Wamumbi wrote on Facebook, referencing an incident where Gachagua allegedly rejected the comedian’s request due to his oversized blazer a satirical costume piece.
Comedian Arap Uria also weighed in saying “Mhesh why post him now yet you never gave him time when he needed you the most?”
@bookten8 added: “He tried to reach out to you, but you ignored him. Let those who stood with him mourn in peace.”
“Stop the hypocrisy. You failed to acknowledge him when he was alive, yet now you’re posting lengthy condolences. Spare us the crocodile tears,” wrote @phiamax.
Gachagua was also reminded of his decision to offer a job to Ivy Chelimo, who coined the popular “Riggy G” nickname, while KK went unnoticed despite promoting him through satire.
Zachariah Kariuki, known by his stage name KK Mwenyewe, died on Monday night at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital after a brief illness, according to longtime collaborator and fellow comedian Kafengo.
