Gachagua posted a condolence message from the US, mourning comedian KK Mwenyewe.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is under fire for his condolence message to late comedian KK Mwenyewe, which many Kenyans say came too late. Gachagua, currently in the United States, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 15, expressing sorrow at the death of the young content creator.
In his post, Gachagua praised Zachariah Kariuki, also known as KK Mwenyewe, for using comedy to reach and connect with the youth. He described KK as resilient, creative, and inspiring.
However, the condolence note did not go down well with many Kenyans, who were quick to remind Gachagua of his silence when KK was alive and struggling.
Political commentator Alinur Mohammed questioned why Gachagua was praising the comedian only in death, while comedian Arap Uria accused him of ignoring KK’s pleas for support.
“Why recognise him in death when you couldn’t when he was alive?” Alinur posted.
In a fiery Facebook post, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi revealed that KK once reached out for help with his university fees and job opportunities. According to Wamumbi, he took KK’s content to Gachagua but was met with harsh dismissal.
“You said the boy is trash; he wears an oversized coat — a sign of disrespect to you,” Wamumbi wrote.
That coat, worn as part of KK’s humorous character, had become his trademark style.
Many users online joined the criticism, calling the condolence message hypocritical and insensitive. One user, @bookten8, said KK tried reaching out to Gachagua but was “ignored.”
“Stop the hypocrisy. You failed him when he needed you. Spare us the crocodile tears,” another wrote.
Gachagua’s critics also pointed out how he offered a government job to Ivy Chelimo, the woman who coined the viral “Riggy G” nickname. Meanwhile, KK Mwenyewe, who built satire around Gachagua, never got any recognition or support.
The comedian died on Monday night at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital after what friends described as a brief illness. His death was confirmed by fellow content creator Kafengo, who mourned his friend as a passionate and talented performer.
KK’s sudden passing has left a gap in Kenya’s comedy world — but it has also sparked debate on how leaders engage with creatives while they’re still alive.
