One of Nairobi’s most innovative and beloved photographers, Kapedo, has suffered a major blow to his online presence after his popular TikTok account was hacked. The page, which had amassed a staggering 790,000 followers, was instrumental in catapulting him to fame for his unique approach to photography that combines posing, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes client interaction.
Despite the setback, Kapedo has displayed remarkable resilience, refusing to let the loss derail his momentum. Through a heartfelt message to his followers, he announced the unfortunate hack and encouraged fans to follow his newly created account. His message was one of gratitude and determination: even though the original account is gone, his passion and drive remain intact. He emphasized the importance of community and asked his fans to help him rebuild what was lost.
Kapedo’s rise in the photography scene has been nothing short of inspirational. Known for his engaging style, he became popular for showing how he directs clients during shoots, often sharing light-hearted, educational clips that resonated with both aspiring photographers and fans alike. His approach not only showcased his skill behind the lens but also made him a favorite among content creators and social media users across Kenya and beyond.
Losing such a large following overnight is no small matter. For Kapedo, the biggest loss isn’t just the followers—it’s the community he had built over time. He described that audience as being like family, people who had walked the journey with him from the early days of his career to his peak moments online. That connection, more than anything, is what he mourns the most.
Behind Kapedo’s career is a powerful story of sacrifice and support. During his photography studies, he once put his dreams on hold due to a lack of equipment. When his mother learned of this, she made a life-changing decision: she sold a piece of her land to buy him his first professional camera—a Canon 90D worth KSh 150,000. This act of love and belief in her son’s talent became the turning point in his journey.
Kapedo’s entry into photography wasn’t planned. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself jobless after the Churchill Show came to a halt. He considered returning to the village until a friend encouraged him to explore photography seriously. With time, he found purpose, discovering that his creativity, faith in God, and consistency could open doors he hadn’t imagined.
Even after such a significant online loss, Kapedo remains hopeful. He believes in starting again and building stronger. With the support of his loyal followers and the same grit that brought him this far, he’s determined to rise again. His journey continues—not just as a photographer, but as a symbol of how talent, resilience, and community can help overcome even the toughest digital setbacks.
