Comedian Njugush has opened up about why he remains bold in his satirical content that often touches on government shortcomings. He clarified that what he does isn’t political commentary, but rather a reflection of what is happening in society. According to him, his work mirrors the realities of everyday Kenyans, and that’s what makes it resonate with audiences.
Speaking during a recent appearance on a television panel discussion, Njugush explained that his courage stems from his training as a journalist. Having studied at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC), he learned the importance of boldly telling stories, even when they are uncomfortable or critical. He recalled his time in school where even as students, they stood up for their creative rights, including a moment when they successfully challenged the administration over the content of a school play. That experience, he said, helped him develop a fearless mindset.
Njugush emphasized that his content is a mirror to society rather than a political statement. “Whatever we do is a reflection of the community. So what I’m doing is not politics,” he explained. He finds it easier to create content because the actions of those in power often provide the material. In his view, it’s not that he’s looking for drama—it’s that the drama already exists in real life, and he simply turns it into satire.
He also voiced his frustrations with the way government appointments are handled. According to him, there’s a trend of putting people in leadership positions who lack the technical qualifications for the roles. He found it troubling that individuals are selected for major roles based on personal connections rather than merit or expertise. He cited instances where non-technocrats are appointed to oversee technical sectors, questioning how effective such leadership can be.
One example he mentioned was the inconsistency in requiring qualifications for different roles. While teachers handling co-curricular activities in schools must meet certain standards and be registered with the Teachers Service Commission, cabinet secretaries can be appointed without any relevant background in the ministries they are expected to lead. To him, this highlights a clear double standard.
He didn’t shy away from critiquing the top leadership either. Njugush pointed out that while the president once promised to end issues such as extra-judicial killings, abductions, and corruption, these problems seem to have worsened. He believes this broken trust has created a disconnect between the government and the people. In fact, he noted that even children are now openly expressing disillusionment with the country’s leaders.
Beyond the serious themes, Njugush still uses humor to address these issues. In a recent skit, he played the role of a police officer visiting students from a fictional school called Terere Girls, a parody inspired by the real-life situation involving Butere Girls’ students and a controversial play. His wife, Celestine Ndinda, played one of the students, portraying the narrative with humor and wit while sparking conversation about artistic freedom and societal control.
Through his work, Njugush continues to use comedy not just for laughter, but to provoke thought, challenge norms, and encourage accountability—without being afraid of the consequences.
