The standup comedian died last week while receiving treatment at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital. This interview was first published in Kenya’s Saturday Nation in 2024 by the same author.

BY OUMAH OTIENOH

There is a debate raging out there that what keeps Kenyans still “alive” during these hard-economic times with fuel prices through the roof is humour.

Of course, this argument is partially true. Anyway, the butt-naked truth, watching comedy is a pastime of most Kenyans.

If you are a netizen, you will easily resonate with local household names in comedy like Erick Omondi, Njugush, Eddie Butita and Mulamwa.    

Great comedy is in demand. This is why Zakaria Kariuki cuts the image of an octogenarian with his multi-coloured old-school broken suits every time he darts on stage to break our “starving” ribs.

Popularly known by his stage name KK Mwenyewe, the artist who was born and bred in Githirioni village in Lari, Kiambu County is witty to a near fault.

“When did the acting bug caught up with you?” I asked.

“I started acting in lower classes at Nyamweru Primary School after being inspired by local thespians. In high school, I was active in drama and music.”

Using his acting experience from Nyamweru Secondary School, he accords his audience dramatic renditions – something in the manner of exultant performance from Bollywood or Hollywood.

The acting fire in Kariuki was further ignited by her grandma at a tender age through her twilight recitations.

“My cucu, Joyce Mbithe used to recount to me hilarious stories that formed the bedrock of my wit.”

“Speaking of mentorship,” I inquired, “Who else inspired you into acting?”

“Internationally, I was inspired by famous actors like Trevoh Noah and Kevin Hart. Locally, my greatest motivator is Daniel Ndambuki who previously hosted the popular comedy television show ‘Churchill Show’ on NTV every Sunday at Carnivore in Langata suburb of Nairobi.”

He continued, “These artistes greatly stirred me and created an indelible impression on my mortal mind that plunged me into theatre. My passion for stage performance is not waning any time soon.”  

The 23-year old actor who is pursuing a bachelor degree in applied computer science at Kisii University added, “I look forward to being amongst the well-sought-after comedians in East African region and beyond.”

His associates: Andrew Nyaga aka Kafengu and Elizabeth Nduku best known by her stage name, Lizzy Actress also school at the same university. Nyaga is studying mathematics and computer studies while Nduku registered for communication and media studies.

The duo has assisted Kariuki to establish a theatre group called Mr KK Mwenyewe Entertainment. The acting set has taken comedy to a new level by staging some riveting plays.  

Through comedy, the artiste has successfully unmasked the façade of those in high offices that people believe are paragons of virtue only for some to lower their moral conundrum.

“Kenyans love erotic scripts. A good love story will easily sell. I have also learnt to be a keen observer of what goes on around me. I must always be attentive, discerning and watchful to gather adequate materials for my craft.”

He further said, “Being realistic and humorous has earned me over 33,000 followers on Instagram and over 163,000 admirers on my Facebook page.”

I jokingly inquired, “With notable fame, how have you survived the snaring trap of campus belles?” He hilariously responded, “Since corona virus pandemic broke out, I have kept my social distance.”

“Was it an easy ride when you plunged into the rough terrain of acting?” “I started online content in 2020 during the peak of covid-19. I had few followers then. My crew worked tirelessly hard to build our fan-base.”

“Does being on stage pay your bills?” He posed a bit and whispered, “Comedy pays but it takes time for the first shilling to hit your bank account. I pay part of my college fees and support my younger siblings with royalties from acting.”

  “Your biggest catch in comedy?”

“After consistently doing content creation for two years without pay, I shifted my focus to TikTok and did a character mimicking our Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This was immediately after the Kenya Kwanza won August 2022 general elections.”

“Unexpectedly, social media users loved the video and it went viral. I started getting invitations for gigs and media interviews.”

“Have you received any invitation from Harambee House Annex to meet the Deputy President?”

“He promised to invite me but regrettably, my phone is still silent. Since he is a “truthful man”, I believe he will keep his word.”

Copycatting Rigathi Gachagua, a man whose place in Kenya’s political landscape is, to say the least, make-believe, has made Kariuki a theatre icon.

The comedian is marvelously gifted in the trade of word-power and has proven to have colossal reserves of satire seen from his daily online short video posts.

Has his academic pursuits affected his life as a performer? He smiles and says: “I do the scripts after class. The message in most of my video-clips is a great antidote to depressing reality of life during the tough economic times.”

As we conclude, he reminds me that apart from acting, he also does promos for blue-chip organisations and emcees in social events.

The writer is a Kenyan contributor on literature, art and culture. He is also a travel enthusiast.  oumahotienoh2009@yahoo.com