Henry Desagu, once a dominant force in Kenya’s comedy scene, is facing a significant decline in his YouTube viewership, marking a sharp turn in his career. Known for his relatable humor and satirical skits, Desagu’s channel, which once drew millions of views, is now struggling to gain even 10,000 views on new uploads, raising concerns about his financial stability and mental health.
Desagu, whose real name is Ithagu Kibicho, began his comedy journey in 2016 by posting short skits on Facebook. In the early days, his videos received little attention, and engagement was minimal. However, over time, his unique brand of comedy resonated with audiences, and his presence on YouTube grew exponentially. By 2019, he had surpassed 100,000 subscribers, and within a year, that number had ballooned to over 400,000. At the peak of his career, his channel garnered 62 million views, earning him an estimated KSh 800,000 per month from YouTube alone.
However, a recent review of his YouTube channel presents a stark contrast to his earlier success. Most of his recent videos are struggling to exceed a few hundred views, signaling a dramatic shift in his audience’s engagement.
By 2020, Desagu was one of Kenya’s most popular YouTubers, with millions of views and a comfortable income. But cracks began to show as his content started to include more brand endorsements and advertisements. Some fans speculated that this shift from purely comedic content to promotional work led to a decline in his popularity. Critics argue that this pivot alienated his fanbase, who initially embraced his humor. As his content became increasingly commercialized, many felt he had lost the authenticity that made him relatable.
Reports in recent weeks suggest that Desagu is grappling with both financial and personal difficulties. His recent behavior has raised concerns, particularly a troubling post on Facebook where he hinted at feeling unsafe and wished well to his family. Though he quickly deleted the post, it sparked worry among his followers about his mental health. Desagu later reassured fans that he was fine, but the incident only fueled ongoing speculation about his struggles.
The situation took a more alarming turn when a local teacher, Mwalimu Francis Njiriri, shared a disturbing account of encountering Desagu in a disoriented state. Njiriri described finding Desagu wandering along the Thika-Ngoingwa-Mangu Road, unaware of oncoming traffic and speaking incoherently. With the help of other bystanders, Njiriri guided Desagu to safety and took him to Level 5 Hospital, where he was seen by a psychiatrist. Njiriri recounted, “He was not in his right mind, shouting and speaking incoherently. Thankfully, we got him the medical attention he needed.”
Desagu’s decline, both professionally and personally, serves as a stark reminder of the pressures that come with fame, and the toll it can take on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.
