Kenyan comedian and digital content creator Bena wa Malines, real name Bernard Kamulu, has been nominated for the Online Comedian of the Year award at the 2025 Online Impact Awards. The recognition comes after years of entertaining fans with his witty skits and unique accent, earning him a strong online following.
Despite losing his TikTok account earlier this year, which had nearly a million followers, Bena continued creating content and growing his audience on new platforms. His resilience and consistency earned him a spot among the top nominees, alongside other comedians including Onjiri the Cricket, Doc Fred Comedy, and Christopher Waithaka.
The award ceremony is set for October 10 in Nairobi, with voting open until September 30. Fans can vote at KSh 20 per vote and are allowed to vote multiple times. In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Bena urged his supporters to rally behind him, saying, “I have been nominated for Online Impact Awards 2025 as the online comedian of the year… Five years down the line, bado tunapulaisia maisa mehn… utakosa kurusha votes za molio why?” He also thanked fans for continuing to support him after the loss of his previous TikTok account.
The Online Impact Awards 2025 celebrates digital excellence across Africa, recognising individuals and groups making meaningful contributions through technology and online platforms. It highlights creators, educators, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday Africans who inspire, educate, entertain, and create real impact in their communities.
Bena wa Malines’ journey to the nomination was not without challenges. In a past interview, he revealed he once worked as a matatu conductor to cover school fees and daily expenses. He eventually left the job to pursue content creation, a decision that has made him a household name in Kenya’s digital comedy scene.
The nomination cements Bena’s status as one of Kenya’s leading online comedians and provides fans an opportunity to support him as he competes for the prestigious award.
