How Crop Shirts and False Claims Sparked Hate Against Mike Muchiri

Popular media personality Mike Muchiri, popularly known as Ziya, recently opened up about the intense online backlash he faced after shifting to Ziya Africa.

Speaking on the MicCheque Podcast, Mike described the sudden change in public perception as both shocking and emotionally draining.

“I am going to be as raw and vulnerable as possible. When you’re used to being a social media darling for a long time, then all of a sudden everyone hates you, it becomes drastic,” he admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll of being publicly criticized.

The Zanzibar Incident: How It All Began

Mike explained that the controversy started while he was in Zanzibar for a shoot coinciding with a local festival.

After posting some photos on his social media accounts, he followed his usual routine of logging out immediately to enjoy the festivities.

“So mi niko kwa festival najienjoy,” he said. However, he soon received concerned messages from friends and fans asking if he was okay.

His friend  advised him to avoid logging into platforms like Twitter, warning him about the unfolding online storm.

When he finally checked his accounts, Mike was met with a flood of criticism, particularly on TikTok, where users mocked his crop shirt and made unfounded claims about his personal life.

“Even there was a guy who made a video saying I had come out as gay. And what if I did? What’s the big deal?” he questioned.

Instagram became the platform where the attacks were most intense, with long-time supporters suddenly turning into critics. '' The reason why im saying that ni juu nilikua attacked and insulted by the same people who have supported me for many years .''

Ziya’s Comedy Journey

Muchiri Mike carved a niche for himself as a dynamic content creator, blending comedy with cultural commentary.

Best known for his humorous skits and the iconic Mama Maiko character, Ziya quickly became a household name on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

His sharp wit, authentic storytelling, and ability to reflect everyday Kenyan life earned him a loyal fan base.

However, his journey took a dramatic turn when he decided to step away from content creation after facing backlash over his bold fashion choices and evolving personal expression.

ALSO READ: Mike Muchiri's "Mama Maiko" Era Ends with Rebrand to Ziya

In response, he deleted his past content, rebranded himself as Ziya, and updated his social media handles to @ziya.africa. This marked a new creative chapter focused on self-exploration, music, and broader artistic and social expression.

During this phase, Ziya pivoted toward activism, using his platform to spotlight pressing social and political issues.

He gained significant attention for translating the controversial Finance Bill into multiple local languages, making complex policy accessible to grassroots communities.

On May 22nd, fans were excited when Ziya hinted at returning to his comedic roots, posting a short Instagram story featuring the revival of Mama Maiko.

In his post, he wrote: “Plus, I honestly couldn’t wait to get back here. Not every day is about activism. See you soon.” The announcement reignited enthusiasm and speculation across social media.