President William Ruto emerged as a central figure in the final farewell to beloved comedian KK Mwenyewe after making a heartfelt personal donation that helped surpass the burial fundraising goal. As mourners gathered at Blue Springs Hotel on Monday, July 21, for the emotional memorial service, it was Ruto’s unexpected involvement that dominated the day’s most touching moments.
Known for his sharp political impersonations and endearing humor, KK Mwenyewe—real name Zakaria Kariuki—passed away while seeking treatment for a chronic stomach condition. The 23-year-old comedian had battled the illness for nearly five years before his death at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital. As the sole provider for his family and caretaker to his elderly grandmother, KK’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and wider Kenyan public. In response, President Ruto extended his condolences not just in words, but through a significant financial contribution that ensured the young star would receive a dignified send-off.
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi delivered the president’s message to mourners and revealed that Ruto had personally donated KSh 1 million towards KK Mwenyewe’s funeral expenses. “The president—some call him Zakayo, others Kasongo—has said, ‘Hata mkisema must go,’ and contributed KSh 1 million,” Itumbi told the crowd. The donation played a pivotal role in pushing the total funds raised past the KSh 1.2 million target, reaching over KSh 1.5 million. Itumbi emphasized that this act of generosity demonstrated the president’s deep concern for Kenya’s creative community and his recognition of KK’s contribution to national discourse through satire and comedy.
Beyond the monetary support, Ruto also sent a message of comfort to KK Mwenyewe’s grieving mother and family. Itumbi pledged to personally visit KK’s home in Gathiroini, Lari, on Tuesday, July 22, to deliver the president’s words of encouragement ahead of the burial scheduled for Wednesday, July 23. “The president stands with KK’s family. I will visit his mother to pass along his condolences and support,” Itumbi said.
Inspired by the president’s gesture, several other political leaders also came forward with their own contributions. Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika gave KSh 200,000, while Lari MP Mburu Kahangara and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah each contributed KSh 100,000. Itumbi himself added KSh 100,000, along with an additional KSh 100,000 from his Radical MCAs team. The unified response from the political class underlined how Ruto’s involvement set the tone for national solidarity with Kenya’s creative youth.
During the memorial, KK’s girlfriend Pauline briefly addressed mourners, expressing her grief and appreciation for the overwhelming support. Clad in black, she delivered a short but emotional tribute that highlighted the profound personal loss behind the public mourning. Fans and fellow creatives also paid tribute to the comedian’s talent and humility, many still reeling from his sudden passing.
Ruto’s involvement in KK Mwenyewe’s memorial is seen by many as part of his broader commitment to uplifting the creative economy in Kenya. The president has previously emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, and his actions during this memorial reaffirm that promise. For a young entertainer who gave so much joy to Kenyans, it was a powerful statement that the highest office in the land recognized and honoured his legacy.
As KK Mwenyewe is laid to rest in Lari, Kiambu, the nation reflects not only on the laughter he gave, but also on the compassion he inspired—from ordinary fans to President William Ruto himself.
