Losing a loved one is usually a time for solemn tributes and glowing eulogies. However, former Citizen TV news anchor Kirigo Ng’arua has left social media users stunned after choosing a more "honest" path to mourn her late uncle.
Sharing his obituary via her Instagram stories, Ng’arua didn’t stick to the traditional script of unconditional praise. Instead, she accompanied the announcement of the passing of Gerald Maina Ng’ayu with a message that hinted at a complicated family history.
"You Did Me Dirty"
The post featured a black-and-white funeral programme titled "Celebration of Life: The Late Gerald Maina Ng’ayu."
While the pamphlet described him as a "loving father, caring brother, and a friend to many," Kirigo’s personal caption told a different story.
"I didn’t want it to get here... but here we are. You did me dirty, Uncle G. 💔 But we shall fight when we see each other next. For now, rest. And do not forget to laugh and dance wholeheartedly 🙃," she wrote.
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The phrase "You did me dirty"—Kenyan slang for being betrayed or treated unfairly—immediately went viral. The addition of the "upside-down face" and "broken heart" emojis added a layer of dry wit to an otherwise tragic moment.
However, others pointed out that she might have been mad at her uncle, not for the ‘bad’ way he treated her, but rather, she was upset that he died without prior warning, leaving the family in shock and devastation.
Who is Kirigo Ng’arua?
For many, the name Kirigo Ng’arua is synonymous with Kenya’s prime-time news. She rose to fame as a news anchor and lifestyle journalist at Royal Media Services, where she was a staple on the Power Breakfast show.
Known for her signature mohawk and a Master's degree in International Diplomacy, Kirigo has always been a figure of poise and realness.
However, her career at the station ended unceremoniously in 2016 during a mass retrenchment, a moment she famously revealed happened just minutes before she was due to go on air.
Since leaving the screen, she has transitioned into:
- Branding and Communications Specialist.
- Voice Actor with a focus on audiobooks and documentaries.
- International Consultant.
A "Real" Way to Grieve
The reaction to her post has been mixed, sparking a wider debate on how Kenyans are expected to mourn. In many African cultures, the "speak no ill of the dead" rule is a strictly enforced social norm.
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