The burial of comedian KK Mwenyewe in Lari, Kiambu County, took an unexpected turn when government official Dennis Itumbi faced open hostility from mourners during his tribute.
Itumbi, who serves as the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, had attended the funeral to honour the digital entertainer. However, his speech was disrupted by chants of “Wantam,” a term that has become a symbol of discontent among Kenya’s online creators.
The weather was somber, with a light fog settling over the area as hundreds gathered to pay their final respects. Content creators, fans, and family members filled the compound, many visibly emotional over the comedian’s untimely death.
Trouble started when Itumbi began outlining what the government claims to have done for digital creators. He mentioned efforts around monetisation, a sore point for many in the creative space who feel neglected and undercompensated.
Almost immediately, a lone voice from the crowd shouted “Wantam!” — the chant quickly spread, echoing through the crowd and drowning out his message. As the jeers grew louder, another individual near the podium accused Itumbi of spreading false promises.
Attempts to dismiss the disruption as a reaction from non-creators only fueled more heckling. Cries of “uongo” and laughter spread through the mourners, some rising from their seats in frustration.
By Newshub