Wamuzi News Ke
A funeral service meant to honor the life and legacy of beloved comedian Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe, turned politically explosive today after mourners erupted into chants of “Ruto must go!” and “Uongo!” (Lies!) during a speech by presidential aide Dennis Itumbi.
The emotional service, attended by artists, family, politicians, and members of the public, was brought to a halt when Itumbi attempted to deliver a condolence message on behalf of President William Ruto.
But barely minutes into his address, tension escalated as mourners began shouting him down, accusing the government of neglecting creatives and only showing up in times of tragedy.
Itumbi had announced a government pledge of KSh 1 million to support KK’s family and further revealed an upcoming plan by the Kenya Kwanza administration to launch a national creatives SACCO aimed at empowering young talent.
However, the promises failed to calm the crowd.As heckling intensified, Itumbi was visibly overwhelmed and had to cut his speech short. Attempts by organizers to restore order proved futile, and the chants of “Ruto must go!” echoed across the funeral grounds, signaling deep-rooted dissatisfaction among attendees.
Mounting Anger Among Creatives.
The disruption is seen as a reflection of mounting frustration within the creative industry, where many feel neglected and used for optics by political leaders. Despite government assurances of support, stakeholders have complained of empty promises, limited funding, and lack of genuine engagement with artists.
Friends and fellow comedians who spoke at the funeral emphasized KK Mwenyewe’s struggles in his final days, pointing out that his pleas for medical support and financial help were largely ignored until his death became a trending topic.
A Nation in Mourning — And Protest.
The incident has sparked national debate, with many Kenyans on social media defending the mourners’ reaction as justified. Others criticized the politicization of the event, calling for respect during funerals regardless of political differences.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the government to back its promises with action, especially in the wake of growing public discontent over economic hardship, high taxes, and rising unemployment.
As the dust settles in Limuru, one thing is clear — the voice of the people, amplified through grief and frustration, has never sounded louder.
