Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has unexpectedly struck gold on TikTok, raking in millions of shillings after hosting a fiery livestream in which he fiercely criticized the government. During the Friday night session on June 27, Gachagua took to the popular platform to voice his frustrations and expose alleged wrongdoings by those in power — and Kenyans responded with digital gifts in overwhelming numbers.
One of the most notable elements of the livestream was the massive support he received from his followers, who sent him 78 “Lions” — among the most valuable virtual gifts on TikTok. Each Lion is worth approximately KSh 51,800, totaling KSh 4,040,400. However, factoring in TikTok’s standard 50% commission, Gachagua is estimated to walk away with roughly KSh 2,020,200 — still a significant amount for a single online session.
This event marks a new frontier in Kenyan politics — where digital platforms like TikTok are not just spaces for communication and influence, but also tools for direct financial gain. Gachagua is now the first Kenyan politician to publicly benefit from TikTok’s gifting feature at such a high level, effectively becoming a political content creator backed by viewers’ wallets.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has become increasingly popular among government critics, especially for his blunt and unapologetic approach. He has taken a position as one of the loudest voices in the opposition, unafraid to call out the administration’s failures. His transition from deputy president to grassroots mobilizer — and now digital influencer — reflects a shift in how Kenyan politicians engage with the public.
But not everyone is impressed by the TikTok gifting frenzy. Some online users expressed concern and skepticism over the legitimacy of the donations. One user speculated that the gifting might be staged, suggesting Gachagua could be sending himself gifts using multiple accounts to gain clout and manipulate public perception. Others hinted at possible money laundering, claiming the TikTok gifts could be a clever method to “sanitize” dirty money by making it appear like innocent donations from fans.
A few users even warned of potential legal consequences, suggesting that authorities might investigate the funds and slap the former deputy president with tax evasion charges. Some critics called out Kenyans for spending their money supporting politicians instead of helping each other or investing in productive ventures.
Nonetheless, many acknowledged the strategy as brilliant — blending political activism with digital monetization. For Gachagua, who has already captured attention with his hardline stance, this new wave of income reinforces his image as a defiant figure unafraid to challenge the establishment.
His TikTok success could also inspire other political players to explore alternative ways of engaging the public — not just for influence, but for financial independence. As the political landscape continues to evolve, social media may become more than just a battleground for ideas — it may be the new marketplace of power, loyalty, and, evidently, wealth.
