Shiru Stuart: Karangu’s brother’s death has exposed how people only appreciate others after death

UK-based Kenyan content creator Shiru Stuart has shared an emotional reflection following the death of Joshua Muraya Kagema, saying the overwhelming love shown to the late content creator after his passing exposes how society often waits until people die before appreciating them.

In a TikTok post on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Shiru admitted that the tragic loss had taught her one of life’s hardest lessons: that many people only recognise someone’s worth after they are gone.

The content creator observed that once a person dies, people suddenly come together, remember only the good things about them and openly express love and admiration that they may never have shown while the person was alive.

According to Shiru, such a reality should encourage people to stop seeking validation from others and instead embrace their authentic selves.

“What I have learned so far is never be afraid to speak your mind, to be yourself and to truly be you. Do not hide who you are just because you are scared people will judge you or talk about you online,” she wrote.

She noted that the public reaction following Kagema’s death had highlighted a painful truth about modern society.

“The sad truth is, when someone dies, everyone suddenly comes together, everyone remembers the good in them and everyone shows love,” she added.

Shiru admitted that while society may never completely change, individuals still have the power to change how they live their own lives.

She urged her followers to stop chasing public approval and instead focus on living truthfully without fear of criticism.

“Unfortunately, this is the society we live in today. As much as we wish we could change it, we cannot. We cannot change how people think, but we can change ourselves and stop living for other people’s approval,” she wrote.

The UK-based creator further encouraged people to remain genuine, kind and unapologetically themselves, saying that living to satisfy others is ultimately meaningless.

“Do not spend your life trying to please everyone. Be real, be kind and live your truth because one day they will love you anyway when you are no longer here,” she concluded.

Her emotional message came after another TikTok user lamented that Kagema would never get the opportunity to witness the immense love Kenyans have shown him following his death, prompting Shiru to pen her heartfelt reflection.

Joshua Muraya Kagema, the younger brother of Facebook influencer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya, died on Monday, August 3, 2026, after battling an illness that had seen him admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

His death was announced by Karangu Muraya in an emotional social media post in which he struggled to come to terms with losing his younger brother.

Since then, celebrities, politicians, religious leaders and thousands of Kenyans have continued paying glowing tributes, remembering Kagema as a humble, kind-hearted content creator and comedian whose promising journey had only just begun.

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