Dj VnyashFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led the list of Kenya’s most searched personalities on Google in 2024. According to Google’s Year in Search 2024 report, released on December 10, Gachagua’s popularity surged in October, coinciding with national discussions surrounding his impeachment.
Gachagua was impeached on October 17, after a majority of Senators voted to remove him from office on 11 charges, including gross misconduct.
Following Gachagua on the list were Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano in second place and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya in third. National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Noordin Haji and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
Other personalities in the top ten included journalist Robert Nangila (6th), Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza (7th), and businessman Jimi Wanjigi (8th). Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse rounded out the list in ninth and tenth places.
Trending News Topics of 2024
The Social Health Authority (SHA), a new healthcare initiative replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), topped the list of trending news topics. SHA drew significant interest as the government promoted its registration.
The Finance Bill 2024 came in second, followed by the U.S. elections. Gachagua’s impeachment ranked fourth, while other notable topics included Haiti, Cyclone Hidaya, and Starlink Kenya (fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively). Gen Z trends, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Ford Foundation completed the top ten.
Global Personalities and Losses
Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel was the most searched global personality in Kenya, followed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, televangelist Benny Hinn, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
Among the most searched losses, the tragic death of content creator Brian Chira in a hit-and-run accident in March ranked highest. The news sparked widespread mourning and a large turnout at his funeral.
Kenyans also searched extensively for details about the deaths of Charles Ouda, a celebrated actor and artist, and Rita Tinina, a journalist who succumbed to pneumonia.
Silverio Omari
