Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi was among content creators who mourned the late comedian Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe. In a heartfelt post on social media, Itumbi wrote about the legacy of laughter left behind by KK, saying, “KK, go and make them laugh even harder in heaven.” A candle was lit in remembrance of him, symbolizing the light he left in people’s lives in the form of laughter.
Amidst the mourning, Itumbi also took the opportunity to point out a great achievement for Kenya’s creative industry: the opening up of monetizing Facebook, thanks to the intervention of President William Ruto. He noted that the action would unlock new earning opportunities for content producers, allowing them to turn their creativeness into sustainable earnings.
Itumbi also challenged producers to embrace the future by developing a National SACCO—a cooperative that would allow them to contribute money, raise funds, and scale up their ventures. “It’s time to make dreams a reality,” he urged.
But he also raised a crucial question: what becomes of online money-making sites when an artist passes away? He argued in favor of next of kin being able to access and control online earnings even in death. “There must be a way to carry on the legacy,” he stated, and pledged to push policy evolution and clarification on the issue.
In solidarity with KK’s family, President William Ruto donated KSh 1 million. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah donated KSh 200,000, Governor Susan Kihika donated KSh 200,000, and Lari MP Mburu Kahangara contributed KSh 100,000.
