"Nimukumenyithio Gikuu Kia" : Tracking down Elder Patrick Kariithi, the man behind latest Tiktok trend

In Kenya, hardly a week goes by before a challenge sweeps the video-sharing platform, and creators flood the timeline with their own versions of whatever absurdity is currently popular.

These challenges are often times created by random fellows hiding in the TikTok backwaters, and, soon enough, the trend catches on and permeates every imaginable facet of the Kenyan social media landscape.

The current viral trend rocking the Kenyan internet airwaves is the "Death Scare" challenge (not the original name) which sees someone imagine a hilarious but deadly scenario which could end up disastrously - or, to be very blunt, fatal.

Some of these challenges have seen Tiktok users recreate scenes that involve them being in the middle of high-risk situations - and they don't even have to be too serious, the situation could be something as 'risky' as shouting back at your mother or failing to raise the enough transport money whilst on board a notorious Thika Road matatu.

Some of the other hazardous situations, which Kenyans undoubtedly believe could potentially lead to death, is ordering an Uber whilst boasting a 60% promo or, you know, flying abroad while drunk and then hearing the dreaded announcement, "We are now landing in Vietnam." 

What has largely contributed to the viral popularity of the trend, however, is the rather solemn soundbite users are applying towards the end of their videos - it is, in fact, the punchline.

Borrowed from a Kikuyu funeral announcement broadcast, it goes: "Nimukumenyithio gikuo kia Elder Patrick Kariithi wa PCEA Gathumbi, Ichuga Parish, Tumutumu Presbytery, Mathira West Nyeri..." 

Loosely translated to: "We regret to announce the death of Elder Patrick Kariithi of PCEA Church Gathumbi, Ichuga Parish, Tumutumu Presbytery, Mathira West Nyeri..." 

At around that time, users will then share a photo of themselves in a death posture, some creative ones even throwing around a wreath over their heads, and others, morbidly depicting themselves in a coffin.

But who is Elder Patrick Kariithi? A keen search online revealed that the man, full name Patrick Kariithi Huria, was a Church Elder at the St. Andrews PCEA Church in Nyeri. 

The search also revealed that Kariithi was an astute Maths teacher and headteacher at various schools including Kambi Ya Mawe Primary School, Ngorano Primary School, Kabiruini Primary School, Githiru Primary School and Gathanje Primary School.

Elder Patrick Kariithi was buried on the 26th of May 2023 and a live stream of his funeral service was broadcasted on the official Kahawa Sukari PCEA Church YouTube channel.

Whilst some people have embraced the challenge by not just participating but also resharing some of the most creative clips, some have taken to social media to slam the originators of the challenge, terming it disrespectful - even insensitive - to the family of the late Patrick Kariithi.

Taking to his Facebook page, an unimpressed Brandon wa Karanja wrote, "Whoever took that audio of Elder Patrick Kariithi uria wa PCEA Gathumbi hakufanya justice kwa Marehemu! That sound is enoughly misused bearing in mind it's someone's dad, love, uncle, grandpa and a loved one indeed! Kindly let Elder Rest in peace!"

Commenting under the same thread, Sammy Kamatu wrote: "Guys let's be sensitive to matters family and know where to keep boundaries between content creation and family matters..."

A Tiktok search, however, seems to suggest that the original sound was shared by a Wahu wa Kariithi, whom we've established is actually the late Patrick Kariithi's daughter.

On Facebook, a nonplussed Wahu celebrated her Dad's exemplary parenting skills, while appearing to laugh along the challenge.

She wrote: "Now that TikTok decided to remind us of Elder Patrick Kariithi, this is one of the many things I learnt from him... 

"Love, protect and affirm your Child....build their confidence unapologetically. I remember how Dad would side with me always. Affirm your children. You don't have to beat them, just talk to them when they make mistakes...this man never pinched me and never shouted at me. We always sat down to analyze my mistakes that made me whole."

She went on, "Raise kids who won't need external affirmations for them to survive in this cruel world. Raise kids strong enough  to leave situations that plateau. Any time I made mistakes he used to tell me...aaaiii Naomi! Paps, Elder, We Miss you dearly!"