President William Ruto has donated Sh1 million to the family of the late comedian Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as Mr. KK Mwenyewe, who passed away last week while undergoing treatment at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital. The donation was made during a candlelight vigil held in his honour and was delivered by Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy.
Speaking at the event, Itumbi conveyed the President’s condolences to the grieving family and the wider creative community. “The president has said even if you are saying he must go, he has given a one-million-shilling donation,” he said. He further noted that arrangements were being made for the money to be delivered directly to KK Mwenyewe’s mother to assist in planning the burial.
In addition to the President’s donation, Itumbi personally contributed Sh500,000 to help the family meet their Sh1.5 million funeral budget. The show of support from both the government and individuals close to the late comedian reflects the widespread admiration and respect KK Mwenyewe earned through his craft.
The comedian’s death was announced on July 15 by fellow performer Kafengo, who shared the heartbreaking news via Facebook. “We are heartbroken to announce the sudden demise of Zakaria Kariuki A.k.a Mr KK Mwenyewe,” he wrote. “He passed away yesterday evening while undergoing medical attention.”
KK Mwenyewe became a household name in Kenya thanks to his sharp and humorous impersonations of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Despite using simple filming setups, his sketches gained popularity for their accuracy, wit, and relatability.
His ability to mirror Gachagua’s unique speech style and body language made him a favourite among Kenyans on social media. Many fans praised him not only for his comedy but also for his humility and dedication to his art.
His passing is a significant blow to Kenya’s comedy scene, especially among young digital creators who looked up to him as a pioneer.
As the family prepares for his burial, President Ruto’s contribution underscores the late comedian’s cultural influence and the nation’s appreciation of his work.
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