Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has won over many since his impeachment, captivating government critics with his fierce attacks on President William Ruto’s administration.
On June 27, 2025, Gachagua joined fans for a fiery TikTok livestream, slamming the government and earning 78 Lion gifts, each worth $400 (£310).
At KSh 129.50 per USD, one Lion equals KSh 51,800, totaling KSh 4,040,400, though TikTok’s 50% cut likely left him with KSh 2,020,200. He became the first Kenyan politician to cash in big on TikTok gifting.
Watch the video below:
Kenyans on X were divided:
@rgc99f2byt: “Why send a billionaire politician money? Kenyans baffle me!”
@air_b3nderrr: “Gachagua’s a genius. Probably gifting himself via fake accounts for clout.”
@TheDiplomat_Ke: “This screams money laundering. Gift your own dirty cash, then funnel it to ‘clean’ ventures.”
@juskems: “Sounds like wash-wash. His team gifts him to sanitise dodgy money.”
Some other prominent Kenyans online have also been gifted a lot of money on TikTok.
Last year, King Roso, a faceless philanthropist, gained fame for gifting Kenyan TikTokers exorbitant Lion gifts, each worth about KSh 50,000.
During Nyako’s birthday in March 2024, he sent 70 Lions, totaling over KSh 1.5 million.
He also contributed KSh 850,000 to Brian Chira’s funeral and encouraged donations to build a house for Chira’s grandmother.
Nyako, calling Roso a “money bag,” pleaded for more gifts, saying, “You spoiled me. Send 10 Lions for my kids’ birthdays!” His anonymity fuels speculation, with some alleging money laundering.
Similarly, controversial pastor Victor Kanyari made waves in April 2024, claiming he earned over KSh 400,000 from TikTok Live gifts, including Lions, which display a virtual roaring lion on-screen.
In a livestream, he said, “I’ve made over 400K, gifted for free. I want to donate it to a children’s home.”
Defiant against critics, he added, “People say quit TikTok, but I’m here for those oppressed by the devil. It’s not about money.” He even jokingly asked mysterious TikToker King Roso for five Lions, saying, “Send them so I may die!”
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