Kenya’s social media sensation, Kevin Odhiambo Onyango, widely known as Cassypool, has cautioned Kenyan celebrities, especially artists, against joining protests.
Speaking in an undated viral video, Cassypool urged celebrities to avoid participating in protests, warning that such involvement could harm their brand image.
Referring to the memorial protest held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, which saw participation from several celebrities, ranging from actors to musicians, Cassypool said that getting involved in running battles with the police does not sit well as a brand.
He further said that he had told all the artists who were seen out on the street that there was another option instead of going there; they should not burn their brands by going into the streets; street things should stay on the streets.
“Inaudhi inakera hizi zote tunasema si ati hatuwapendi, tunawapenda ni madungu zetu na tunawadhamini, but you know you are an artist. Kwanza, brand, ukikimbia mbio unaonekana kwa camera. Wewe ni msanii; wewe ni brand, wacha kuenda kwa streets,” Cassypool warned.
“Niliambia wasanii wote ambao walionekana pale kwenye street mnanafasi nyengine ya kutoenda pale kwenye street, msichome brands zenu kwa kuenda kwenye street vitu za street zibaki kwa street.“
Cassypool, known for his criticism, went on to say that artists should respect themselves and avoid demonstrations, noting that they would not lose their fans if they did not join protests.
He warned them that if they went out, got beaten or teargassed by the police, and ran away, the fans would mock them.
“Wewe ni msanii unajiheshimu hakuna vile utalose mafans wako sasa tuko desperate tunataka kuonyesha mafans ati tuko kwenye street na hakuna vile utaloss mafans lakini utapoteza mafans wako wakikuona ukichapwa viboko ,na teargas ukikimbia fan atakung’aria kesho akikuchapa left right,” he added.
He urged that artists should focus on the nation instead of clout chasing and participating in demos.
“Protect your image as an artist, if this country goes down, wewe hutapata ya kukula kwa sababu makampuni zitaanguka,you as an artist protect your country wacha makiki ndogo ndogo,” he urged.
Celebrities in protest
Cassypool’s warning comes after several took part in the June 25 memorial protests.
Here are some of the prominent Kenyan entertainers who actively participated in the memorial protests, using their platforms to amplify the movement’s message.
Stand-up comedian and digital content creator Timothy Kimani, widely known as Njugush, Wahu, Nameless, musician Nyamari Ongegu, alias Nyashinski, celebrated rapper Khalighaph Jones, and Arrow Bwoy.
Similarly, veteran actress Jacky Vike, singer Lady Bee, comedian Eunice Mammito, DJ Krowbar, Daddy Owen, DJ Moh, Kate actress, Nick Big Fish and Murugi Munyi.
