Former spokesperson for the council that ran the presidential campaign for Azimio candidate Raila Odinga, Makau Mutua, has criticized media outlets for avoiding publishing any news about Brian Chira.
Mutua, through his X page, stated that Kenyan newspapers deliberately avoided publishing any news about the death and burial of the TikToker, who was buried on Tuesday.
The scholar, who lectures at a university in the United States, said that when newspapers failed in their duty to inform, by choosing not to publish any news about the young man’s funeral, despite it being a hot topic on social media due to the nature of his burial.
“It’s DISTRESSING that Kenyan newspapers have DELIBERATELY avoided giving TRUE, DEEP, and THOUGHTFUL coverage of the funeral — and events — of BRIAN CHIRA,” Professor Makau Mutua said.
The scholar noted that with the large turnout at Chira’s funeral, the young man was like a magnet for the youth, and it was regrettable to see how newspapers overlooked discussing the event.
“He was a fascinating package for Kenya’s youth along with his main promise. He taught us many lessons. A SHAME!” Mutua added.
Chira died about two weeks ago in a road accident after being hit by a car.
Since his death, the TikTok community in Kenya has been organizing all the plans for his funeral until the day of the burial, with a significant percentage of mourners including TikTokers from all corners of the country.
