The Kikuyu community, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya, is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurship, and strong family values.
Over the years, the community has produced many talented individuals who have gone on to make a significant impact in various fields, including entertainment, politics, and business.
In this article, WoK takes a look at the top ten most influential Kikuyu celebrities who have captured the hearts of millions with their talent and dedication to their craft
1. Samidoh
Samuel Muchoki Ndiragu alias Samidoh is a recording and performing who also serves as an Administration Police.
He came into the limelight in 2016 after releasing his hit song, Ndiri Mutwi Mwega.
Samidoh was born in Subukia, Nakuru Country in a family of six boys.
His father died when he was three years old after which they were kicked out of their Subukia home by his father’s brothers.
His family was forced to relocate to Oljororok in Nyandarua County where he grew up.
2. Lynn Ngugi
Lynn Ngugi is a media personality and content creator running a YouTube channel that has specialized in human interest stories.
She worked for TUKO until 2021 when she left to launch her own company, Lynn Ngugi Network, under which she produces the Lynn Ngugi Show.
With 265 videos, Lynn’s YouTube channel boasts over 589,000 subscribers and 78.1 million cumulative views.
In March 2023, she was listed among the top 40 most influential and progressive personalities by Nation Media Group’s Business Daily.
3. Jeff Kuria
Jeff Kuria is a comedian, actor, radio and TV presenter currently working with Royal Media Services’ Inooro TV and Inooro FM.
He hosts at the media stations from Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 10 am.
He is also an entrepreneur running an entertainment company, Hafla entertainment, which offers event management, MC and DJ services, as well as audio and visual services.
Jeff’s journey to radio started at the Kenya National Theatre in 2005 and River Road where the voice-overs for gospel artists done there.
4. Shiru Wa GP
Shiru Wa GP also known as Mary Wanjiku is a popular Kenyan gospel musician and songwriter who sings in the Agikuyu language.
After her mother got saved, she stopped brewing illegal liquor which meant the family had no regular source of income.
Shiru Wa GP started doing some odd jobs, and even worked as a house help to help the family earn a living.
After getting married, she continued practicing her music but raising money to record her songs was a challenge.
She sought help from her pastor, Hinga, who organized a fundraiser and she was able to record her first song Muoroto at Big Heart Studios.
5. Henry Desagu
Born Ithagu Kibicho, Henry Desagu is a digital content creator and one of the highest paid comedians in Kenya.
He started doing comedy at a young age when he would perform skits in church with other children.
After completing his KCSE, he opted to venture into comedy, but chose to fulfill his parents’ desire by joining campus.
He later joined a theatre group that helped nurture his talent.
6. Njugush
Timothy Kimani Ndegwa is a brand influencer and an award-winning comedian.
He was born in May 1991 in Meru County but grew up in different parts of the country because of his father’s work.
Njugush admitted that he experienced culture shock due to frequent relocation as he had to adapt to a new way of living every time.
In high school, he participated in drama festivals and later enrolled at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) for a journalism course.
He was part of KIMC’s drama club and travelled with the team to Mombasa for drama festivals where he met actors like Jeff Ayuma, Fred Indimuli, Dennis Mugo and Abel Mutua.
Njugush’s breakthrough came in 2014 after landing a role at KTN’s The Real House Helps of Kawangware.
7. Ruth Wamuyu
Ruth Wamuyu is a Kenyan gospel artist and senior pastor famous for her multiple hit gospel songs which gained her massive popularity throughout the entire Kenya.
Wamuyu started her music career in 1990 while still a youth where she was in the church choir.
She started releasing music in 1994 but would gain popularity with her hit single Mambo Sawa Sawa, a popular song in East Africa.
8. Muthee Kiengei
Benson Gathungu alias Muthee Kiengei or Guka wa Nairobi is a comedian-cum-preacher.
He earned his nickname, Mzee Wa Nairobi, in 2006 when he joined street comedy in Nakuru and got featured in a couple of Kikuyu films.
He later joined Kameme FM, a Kikuyu radio station owned by Media Max Ltd where he hosted the Arahuka Morning Show, one of the most listened shows.
He is also the founder of an entertainment and events company called Kiengei Live offering public address systems, events logistics and live coverage.
9. Muigai wa Njoroge
Muigai Wa Njoroge is a Kenyan gospel artist who sings in vernacular Kikuyu famed for his hit song, Kigutha.
The singer was recently a topic of discussion following the invasion of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s property.
In his song, “Ino Migunda” (This Land), he sang about the shedding of human blood in vain and warned that land is often the reason behind conflicts.
He also spoke of a time when people would no longer tolerate oppression from leaders, and everyone will be equal.
10. Jose Gatutura
Joseph Kanyi, alias Jose Gatutura is a Kenyan musician who sings in his vernacular language Agikuyu.
He ventured into the music industry by first performing in night clubs within Nairobi.
In 2007, he met someone who was willing to mentor him. He also learnt how to play the guitar and managed to write and produce his songs.
The songs grew in popularity and he amassed quite a huge number of listeners, and went on to tour a few countries in Africa and even Dubai.
He released a number of songs including Machete, a song that earned him the name ‘Mashette the King’.
