Zachariah Kariuki, the young Kenyan comedian better known by his stage name KK Mwenyewe, has died after a short illness. He was 23.

The news was confirmed late Monday night by fellow comedian and collaborator Kafengo, who said Kariuki passed away at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with fans, friends, and political figures paying tribute to his humour and spirit.

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from the man he so often mimicked—former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“I have this morning woken up to the sad demise of Mr Zachariah Kariuki alias Mr KK Mwenyewe,” Gachagua said in a statement released from the United States, where he is currently on a two-month tour. “A content creator par excellence and inspiration to many.”

Gachagua praised KK’s unique ability to connect with audiences through comedy, saying the young man “used humour to communicate simple and creative messages to all Kenyans and spoke to our hearts.”

From Campus Skits to National Fame

Kariuki’s rise to fame began in 2022, when a low-budget skit mimicking Gachagua’s post-election demeanour went viral. Dressed in an oversized suit and donning a mock potbelly, KK nailed the tone and body language of the former DP with uncanny precision.

The clip earned him instant internet fame. At the time, he was still a student at Kisii University. Soon, his videos were being shared across the country, with many Kenyans praising his deadpan humour and spot-on impersonations.

By 2025, KK had amassed a following of over 1.1 million on TikTok and 412,000 on Facebook. His final video was posted on 4 July.

Support from Unexpected Quarters

His success was not without struggle. In 2022, he publicly appealed for help with tuition fees. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja came to his aid, clearing the outstanding balance and praising the young comedian’s talent and determination.

Over time, KK diversified his content. While he remained best known for mimicking Gachagua, he also created sketches portraying everyday Kenyan life—rural hardships, classroom antics, and family disputes—characters that resonated deeply with his generation.

An Artist Remembered

In his tribute, Gachagua called KK “a young, consistent, and resilient man.” He described the comedian’s work as both creative and impactful.

“He spoke to Kenyans of all walks of life,” said the former DP. “His death is a loss not only to his family but also to our national spirit. May his soul rest in peace.”

Final Curtain, Lingering Legacy

Though his life was short, KK Mwenyewe made a lasting mark. In the age of digital content creation, where influence often fades as quickly as it rises, his name remains synonymous with laughter, wit, and an uncanny ability to reflect society through comedy.

As Kenyans mourn a life cut short, many remember not just the jokes, but the young man who made them—humble, gifted, and full of promise.