Kenyan content creator Kabugi has mourned fellow creator Derrick Omollo, a 21-year-old Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student who died in Juja, Kiambu County, while reportedly fleeing an attack.
Omollo, a third-year student, had gone to an abandoned quarry in the Kigwe Farm area with fellow students to shoot content on Tuesday, September 1, according to police. The group arrived at about 4.30 pm.
At around 6 pm, four men allegedly confronted them and demanded their phones. Police said the men were armed with knives.
Three of Omollo’s colleagues managed to escape. Omollo, however, ran towards the quarry and fell into an open section estimated to be about 40 metres deep.
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Police said he suffered fatal injuries. His body was later retrieved and taken to General Kago Mortuary in Thika as investigations continued.
Kabugi Questions Juja Security
Reacting to the death, Kabugi said Omollo was a young creator who was trying to make a living through content creation.
“He was self-employed, what we are all advocating for. He was killed while in the line of content creation.”
Kabugi said he had not known Omollo personally but had followed his work online.
He also questioned the security situation in Juja, saying residents and students had continued to raise concerns about crime in the area.
“Juja si mara ya kwanza watu kuibiwa na kuuliwa. We need answers.”
Kabugi further questioned whether local leaders were doing enough to address security concerns and called for residents, students, police and content creators to demand action.
Omollo Was Building a Large Following
Omollo had established himself as a rising TikTok creator, particularly among university students.
Reports indicate that his account had surpassed 100,000 followers, with one fellow creator, Leo, saying Omollo had grown from about 1,000 followers to 100,000 in roughly four months.
“That was a champion. Rest in peace, Omollo,” Leo said while recalling the creator’s rapid growth.
The Kenya Times reported that Omollo’s account had more than 106,000 followers and 6.5 million likes, although social media figures can change over time.
Fellow Creators Pay Tribute
Omollo’s death has also prompted tributes from other creators.
Close friend and fellow TikToker Lenzah Ademba shared an emotional message, describing Omollo as a hardworking friend. She said they had been planning to begin a new video series together.
“If you get a chance to spend time with your friends, please do. Never postpone.”
Lenzah also questioned the security situation in Juja and called for justice following her friend’s death.
Content creator Vindee Official also sent condolences to Omollo’s family, friends and fans through his Instagram Stories.
