In 2024, a handful of individuals in Kenya became overnight sensations, driven largely by viral moments and social media buzz.
From grassroots leaders captivating audiences with humour to surprising lookalikes gaining attention due to uncanny resemblances, these individuals found themselves in the public eye almost instantaneously.
Here’s a look at five people who became household names overnight, each with a unique story that captured the imagination of their audiences.
Trans Nzoia ‘misheveve’ chief
Chief Protus Wechuli Sifuna, hailing from Saboti in Trans Nzoia County, captured the hearts of many with his charming blend of humour and reliability.
His signature catchphrase, ‘misheveve,’ has become synonymous with his approachable style and has fueled his rise to fame.
Wechuli shot to notoriety through a series of viral videos, but one story, in particular, struck a chord with viewers.
He recounted an unforgettable tale about a man who tragically killed his father over a disagreement surrounding pumpkin leaves (seveve).
In this now-iconic clip, Wechuli artfully narrates the scene where a young man gets into a heated argument with his mother regarding the vegetables she prepared.
His comedic timing shines as he delivers the punchline:
“Akaulizia mama ‘unapika mbogo gani?’ Mama akasema ‘leo nimeunda misheveve’. Kijana akasema ‘sikutaka hizi ilitaka sarat’,” the chief narrated.
“Alianza kwa kutafuna mzee vidole. Anatafuna mzee vidole ni kama anatafuna omena na kumbe anafanya hesabu ya minus kwa uhai wa mzee na mzee huyu ni mkaza,” he added, leaving his audience doubled over with laughter.
This amusing anecdote solidified his reputation, earning him the affectionate nickname ‘chief wa misheveve’.
His charisma doesn’t stop there; in another unforgettable event, Chief Wechuli introduced Phanice Khatundi, the Trans Nzoia Agriculture County Executive Committee (CEC) member, with his signature comedic flair.
“Kitovu chetu cha Trans Nzoia county, kitovu kiko hapa mroki, ukweli ama hapana? Bila kujikuna unywele wala utosi namkaribisha waziri wetu wa Kilimo Phanice Khatundi. Unaone ye anaoganga soda ya Fanta ama mi nasema… Undeni makofi makuu ya campaign tumkaribishe mschana wetu glamorias,” he announced, radiating warmth and good humour.
Chief Protus Wechuli Sifuna has transformed from a viral sensation into a beloved community pillar, known for his engaging barazas where he tackles local issues with wit and charm, proving that laughter can indeed be a powerful tool for connection and leadership.
‘Ameuza airport’ protester
Henry Omondi, famously known as the ‘ameuza airport’ protester or simply ‘kijana ya airport’, became an internet sensation during the Occupy JKIA protests in July 2024.
This followed rumours that President William Ruto had leased Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to an Indian investor, sparking widespread outrage among Kenyans.
In response, Gen Z activists organized a march to JKIA to express their outrage.
Henry gained viral attention when videos of him passionately condemning Ruto for selling the airport surfaced online.
“Anauza hadi airport ya Kenya. Ruto anauuza Kenya na hatujui?” Henry shouted, questioning the president’s actions.
“Ameuza airport?” an interviewer asked the protester as he marched toward JKIA with fellow demonstrators.
“Ameuza airport!” Henry yelled.
“Ameuzia nani?” the interviewer probed.
“Ameuzia Muhindi,” Henry replied.
“Muhindi mgani?” the interviewer pressed further.
“Sijui huyo Muhindi,” Henry responded, unfazed.
Henry continued to vent, wondering how Ruto could sell the airport when his predecessors had not dared to do so.
“Moi hajauza airport, Kenyatta hajauza airport, Ouru [Uhuru] hajauza airport. Kwani yeye ni nani anakuja kutuuzia airport?” he exclaimed.
It was later revealed that the Kenyan government had sought to lease JKIA to the Adani Group for 30 years.
However, President Ruto cancelled the deal in his State of the Nation address on November 21, 2024, following corruption charges against the Indian conglomerate in the United States.
Adani whistleblower Nelson Amenya
Nelson Amenya became a household name almost overnight after he bravely blew the whistle on a clandestine deal to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
In a gripping revelation in mid-2024, Amenya uncovered a veil of secrecy that surrounded this arrangement, highlighting how it sidestepped essential public oversight and parliamentary scrutiny.
But it wasn’t just the lack of transparency that raised alarm bells.
Amenya unearthed shocking details that hinted at a staggering loss of billions in revenue for Kenya, alongside the unsettling prospect of local workers being systematically replaced by foreign hires under terms that heavily favoured the Adani Group.
While pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris, Amenya, who boasts a rich background in design and advertising from Moi University, found himself at a perilous crossroads.
His revelations invited a storm of threats from various fronts, including intimidation tactics from state security organs, sending ripples of fear through his journey.
Yet, rather than buckle under pressure, Amenya’s courageous stand sparked a wave of protests sweeping the nation, leading the government to hit pause on the deal and demand a thorough audit of the transaction.
His bold actions not only sparked local outcry but also attracted international attention, fueling a vibrant debate on the importance of transparency in privatization and the impact of foreign investments on Kenya’s critical infrastructure.
Nelson Amenya emerged not just as a whistleblower but as a beacon of hope for accountability and change in a complex world.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse
Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse gained national notoriety not only for initiating the impeachment motion against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua but also for his notable missteps during the Senate grilling.
Mutuse faced heavy criticism after he fumbled repeatedly while being cross-examined by Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team, led by lawyer Elisha Ongoya.
Dramatic showdown was witnessed in the Senate, with Gachagua’s legal team taking to the floor to cross-examine Mutuse.
The Kibwezi West MP, who was the mover of the impeachment motion at the National Assembly, struggled to substantiate key claims.
Ongoya challenged the Kibwezi West MP to substantiate the claims laid out in the 11 grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment.
Under pressure, Mutuse stumbled, struggling to support his assertion like the the claim that Gachagua owned the Vipingo Beach Resort, a central asset in the impeachment case.
“It may be getting hotter, but look at the document, compose yourself, and read. What is the total number of shares in Vipingo Beach Company?” Ongoya pressed.
“10,000,” Mutuse replied, faltering in the moment.
“Who is indicated as the owner of all those 10,000 shares?” Ongoya probed further.
“The late James Nderitu Gachagua,” Mutuse responded.
“When the DP says this company is wholly owned by his late brother, is he speaking the truth or not?” Ongoya pushed.
“Yes,” Mutuse opined.
Mutuse’s inability to confidently defend his claims led to widespread ridicule on social media, with many Kenyans mocking his performance with memes and vile words.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga called for the Kibwezi West MP to be stripped of both his law degree and Kenya School of Law (KSL) diploma following his unimpressive performance during the Senate impeachment hearing.
Goliath wa Bungoma
Isaac Wekesa alias Goliath wa Bungoma shot to fame moments after his lookalike Bradley Marongo basked in the limelight following Gen Z protests.
Wekesa was shocked upon discovering another person who looked uncannily like him existed.
The revelation came after Bradley Marongo became an internet sensation following his appearance in Nairobi.
Upon seeing Marongo, Wekesa, a native of Bungoma County, immediately questioned his mother about their striking resemblance.
Unsatisfied with his family’s responses, the Bungoma Goliath set out for Nairobi to meet Marongo in person.
Wekesa has reached out to Marongo, extending a heartfelt plea for a meeting to discuss their potential relationship.
In an interview, the Bungoma Goliath said he was ready to undergo a DNA test to confirm kinship.
Standing at an imposing 8.5 feet, Goliath Wa Bungoma is slightly taller than Bradley Marongo, who measures 8.2 feet.
While Wekesa hails from Bungoma County, Marongo is from Majengo, Vihiga County.
Marongo first rose to prominence during the recent Gen Z protests across the country, earning the title of tallest Gen Z — a title later challenged by the appearance of Goliath Wa Bungoma.
