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Kenyan comedian comes under fire for ‘sanitising’ local bank’s image

By our News Team | 2023

Popular entertainer deletes offending video from social media following strong criticism from Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) and the public.

Kenyan comedian Njugush came under fire from social media users and other members of the public this week over allegations that he was helping a local bank to “sanitise” its image after a string of allegations that bank customers are being defrauded.

Following the furore, Njugush deleted the offending video on his social media platforms and apologised to anyone who had been upset.

Public Relations

Kenyan comedian Njugush (right) pictured during a marketing campaign. Photo credit: Njugush Facebook page

The video was made for Equity Bank and encouraged parents to use the bank to pay for back-to-school shopping and school fees. It was shot at a school in Meru County, with the popular comedian dressed in a school uniform.

However, the vocal social media grouping known as KOT (Kenyans on Twitter) were not amused. Neither were other Kenyans and local media.

Nairobi News reported that “the video left a bad taste in the mouths of his audience”. It quoted Njugush as saying it was part of an ongoing marketing campaign and had been planned well before the public controversy over Equity Bank.

Comedian denies intent to sanitise bank’s image

“Nothing as sanitising. Actually it was a scheduled post, but the agenda must agend, right?”  Njugush told the media outlet.

“His post came after Kenyans took to Twitter after numerous reported fraudulent activities took place concerning Equity Bank,” Nairobi News said. 

It added that the bank has since advised its users against using public Wi-Fi when transacting on the bank’s app. It also warned clients against giving their phones, laptop, or computer to strangers, including those who purport to be from telcos.

Also reporting on the uproar, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) said: “The video was not received well by his fans or a number of Kenyans, especially on Twitter, who claimed the collaboration was meant to sanitise the bank’s image.”

Writing on her LinkedIn page, the CEO of a prominent local PR company noted: “Dear brand custodians, before you engage #influencers to ‘sanitise’ your #brand, please address customer complaints. Launching an #influencercampaign to respond to customer backlash will result in a #PRdisaster.”

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.