On Tuesday, March 26, TikToker Brian Chira was laid to rest on his grandmother’s ancestral land in Gitei village, Gathanje, Kiambu County. The burial ceremony attracted a crowd of prominent figures from the content creating community, known as the “Chira Clan,” leaving the villagers astonished. This large and unruly gathering of young people, unfamiliar to the locals, disregarded traditional norms, with some showing little respect for village elders.
Brian, aged 23, would typically have been buried by his immediate family, schoolmates, and a few neighbors. However, the burial took an unexpected turn, as even religious leaders were denied the opportunity to lead the service at the gravesite. Disorder ensued as hundreds of TikTokers gathered around the grave, some intoxicated and behaving recklessly.
Instead of the customary burial rites, the TikTokers scattered earth and planted flowers around Chira’s grave. They danced, recorded videos, and took selfies, creating a scene that bewildered the villagers and even some family members. Nairobi News interviewed neighbors who expressed disapproval of the events, particularly noting the disrespectful behavior exhibited by the TikTokers.
The villagers were dismayed by the use of strong language and the disregard for traditional customs, such as smoking and drinking alcohol openly, disrespecting the clergy, and urinating in public. They expressed concern for the future of these young people and their ability to uphold cultural values.
While some villagers attributed the behavior to the influence of the outside world, others emphasized that many of the TikTokers were well brought up but seemed to have lost their way after leaving home. They lamented that the funeral felt more like a celebration than a solemn occasion, with inappropriate activities such as taking selfies and arriving intoxicated.
Brian Chira tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in Karuri, Kiambu County. Despite his popularity on TikTok, the villagers felt that his funeral did not reflect the respect he deserved. They were particularly upset by the TikTokers’ disregard for cultural norms at the gravesite.
Following his death, the TikTok community raised funds to support Chira’s grandmother, fulfilling his wish for her to have a comfortable home. Despite this gesture, the villagers remained dismayed by the behavior displayed during the funeral, which they felt disrespected Brian’s memory and their community.
Chira’s funeral was attended by politicians, musicians, and fellow TikTokers, highlighting the widespread impact of his life and the cultural clash that ensued during his burial.
