Karangu Muraya Hits Back after Boos from Kenyans in US
- The vibrant mood at Seattle’s Ngemi cia Ruraya shifted dramatically when Karangu Muraya was mentioned, prompting unexpected boos from revellers
- A bold comment from blogger Githaiga wa Chai stirred the pot, claiming those booing him are the same he usually turns to for financial help
- Karangu did not hold back in the comments section, calling out assumptions about his fundraising ties and throwing in a sarcastic jab at the disapproval
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, media expert Muthoni Karwitha said Karangu faces growing disconnect from his traditional support base
Popular gospel singer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya has fired back after a section of Kenyans in the United States openly disapproved of him during a cultural event in Seattle.
Source: Facebook
The incident unfolded at the Ngemi cia Ruraya festival, a much-anticipated gathering for the Kikuyu diaspora community.
What did Kenyans in US say about Karangu Muraya?
Baby Top, the popular radio host and MC whose real name is Muthoni wa Kirumba, was on stage hyping the crowd and asking revellers which Kenyan celebrities they would love to see at the next edition of the event.
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The crowd enthusiastically responded to suggestions like DJ Dibul, Waithaka wa Jane, and others.
However, the mood quickly changed when Karangu’s name was mentioned.
The crowd broke into a chorus of boos, with some attendees loudly declaring they do not want to see him.
Baby Top asked why there was such hostility toward Karangu. Some voices in the crowd could be heard saying that they had not yet forgiven him, though they did not give further details on the source of their grudge.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, media and public relations expert Muthoni Karwitha, said the booing incident in Seattle and backlash in Murang’a point to a growing disconnect between Karangu and his traditional support base.
She explained that in times of public disapproval, especially for personalities known for their philanthropy, humility, and accountability, these qualities can go a long way in restoring trust.
“When the people who once lifted you begin to question you, it's not a call to retaliate, it’s a moment to reflect. An honest apology, followed by consistent action, would not only humanise Karangu but also reawaken the goodwill he once enjoyed,” she told TUKO.co.ke.
How did Karangu respond?
In response to the backlash, Karangu took to Facebook with a light-hearted message, thanking Baby Top for mentioning him in the US.
However, the conversation got deeper in the comments section after blogger Githaiga wa Chai weighed in, suggesting that some of the very people who booed Karangu were among his biggest supporters.
“Of course you know that 80% of your contributions come from over there, especially Seattle. These are your sponsors, and they're cancelling you. Very soon, even Kayai will tell you to listen to the ground,” Githaiga commented.
Karangu swiftly clapped back, setting the record straight on his relationship with his donors and addressing the perception that he depends on contributions from the diaspora.
When was the last time I did a fundraiser, bro? In this life, everyone has their own path. Even that Kayai you're mentioning, the last time I spoke with him was last year. I believe God is not a man,” Karangu wrote.
His response quickly went viral, fuelling even more reactions online as Kenyans dissected what might have led to the public booing.
See his comment below:
Source: Facebook
How did netizens react to Karangu Muraya's response?
Here are some more reactions from social media users:
Lydiah Mwangi Pst:
"A good dancer knows when to leave the stage."
Grace Kiai:
"The real meaning of using the stones they throw at you, to build your own home."
rancis Njuguna:
"SHA and SHI made you famous."
Lucy Mbugua:
"To be known,to be popular in anyway is a win.it means there is a time you were super good."
Lizlisa Liz:
"Rejection is real colour_go. Home and away."
Mwari Wa Wacuka:
"Lakini Habakkuk kwa alirukisha mwaka wapi🤣🤣🤣mwaka imemkataa kabisa."
Martha Konje:
"Michango gone south 😊. He should respect the pot that once fed him. They were his sponsors before amwage unga. Au wakati huo hakujua kutegemea Mungu. Indo ni andu. Fruits of his pride."
Miriam Justus:
"You like seeking sympathy, Mungu anaingilia wapi hapo."
Jacob Kamau:
"But sio Mungu hua anakutumia pesa ukichangisha nisisi😭😭😭."
Kamau Noble Collections:
"Baba Murayaa is a big brand."
Maureen Shiko:
"But they have disapproved you internationally aki."
What should Karangu Muraya do to win fans back?
Ciku Ngugi, a fan of Karangu and a budding influencer, described the philanthropist as a great man, saying his troubles started after he endorsed SHA, saying it is working despite complaints that it wasn't.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Ciku disclosed that Karangu should swallow his pride and apologise to Kenyans.
"It is the same people who used to support his fundraisers. He should just apologise and go back to helping people," she shared.
Was Karangu Muraya booed in Murang'a?
In another story, the singer encountered a hostile reception while shopping for groceries in Murang’a county.
A video shared by Inooro FM captured a tense moment as a group of visibly angry locals confronted the singer.
They were chanting anti-government slogans and questioning his close ties to political figures he has been spotted with multiple times recently.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added: How did netizens react to Karangu Muraya's response? + What should Karangu Muraya do to win back fans?
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
