Anti-Government Chants Erupt as Dennis Itumbi Addresses Mourners at KK Mwenyewe’s Burial: "Uongo"

Anti-Government Chants Erupt as Dennis Itumbi Addresses Mourners at KK Mwenyewe’s Burial: "Uongo"

  • Tension brewed as Dennis Itumbi tried to win over mourners with promises tied to content creators like the late KK Mwenyewe
  • What began as a tribute turned political when chants accusing the government of deceit drowned out the presidential aide mid-speech
  • Even heartfelt pledges to support KK’s loved ones did not land as intended; instead, they sparked louder chants that eventually led to him exiting the stage

The burial ceremony of fallen comedian KK Mwenyewe, real name Zakaria Kariuki, was momentarily thrown into chaos after anti-government chants broke out during a speech by President William Ruto’s close ally, Dennis Itumbi.

KK Mweyewe was a popular comedian.
Dennis Itumbi was heckeled off stage at KK Mwenyewe's burial. Photo: Dennis Itumbi, KK Mwenyewe.
Source: Facebook

The funeral, held at the late comedian’s rural home in Lari constituency, Kiambu county, drew hundreds of mourners, including high-ranking officials and content creators who had come to pay their final respects to the young entertainer.

KK rose to fame through his witty impersonations of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and quickly became a fan-favourite online.

Read also

KK Mwenyewe’s skit critiquing gov’t’s posthumous donations played as his final message at funeral

Was Dennis Itumbi heckled at KK's burial?

Representing the president and speaking in his capacity as the Head of the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, Itumbi initially received a warm welcome from the crowd.

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"I come to say bye to someone who put smiles on our faces. All the issues and challenges that I have been told to address here about content creators. In the government, I am the one in charge," he began.

However, things quickly spiralled when he touched on government efforts to support the creative economy.

"We have also scrapped the DST tax. We have also made plans to ensure that content creators come together in a sacco where they can access funds," he said.

Almost instantly, murmurs turned into chants, with mourners shouting “Uongo hio! Uongo! Hio ni uongo! Ruto must go” and “Kasongo ni Wantam," a phrase that has recently gained popularity among anti-government protesters, suggesting the current regime will only last five years.

Read also

KK Mwenyewe's father breaks silence on his death with heartbreaking message: "Proud”

Dennis Itumbi is the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination.
Dennis Itumbi faced a hostile crowd while addressing mourners at KK Mwenyewe's burial. Photo: Dennis Itumbi.
Source: Facebook

Despite the heckling, Itumbi attempted to continue, shifting focus to KK’s close circle.

He publicly offered KK’s best friend, Kafengo, a job starting Monday, July 28, and pledged to support KK’s sister’s education.

However, instead of calming the crowd, his promises appeared to add fuel to the fire, with fresh chants of “Wantam! Wantam!” erupting through the venue.

In response to the crowd's discontent, Itumbi stood his ground.

"Hio ni sawa, you can shout all you want, but these content creators need money in their pockets, and we will ensure money gets into their pockets," he said, before being heckled off the stage.

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Did Kafengo speak at KK's funeral?

In a related update, Kafengo was overcome with emotion as he attempted to eulogise the late comedian.

Struggling to hold back tears, he spoke briefly about their unbreakable bond, recounting how they met in campus and began creating content together.

Netizens flooded social media with messages of support, encouraging him to stay strong for his fallen friend.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
DanVictor Munene avatar

DanVictor Munene (Entertainment editor) Danvictor is a journalist accredited by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), currently covering entertainment news at Tuko.co.ke. He began his career at The Star Kenya, where he extensively covered the 2024 Gen-Z led anti-government protests. He has work experience in political news, current affairs, social media management, and audience engagement. You can reach him at danvictor.munene@tuko.co.ke to share your story.

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