Life has a way of surprising us, sometimes in ways we least expect. For Karangu Muraya, a well-known public figure and philanthropist, the night of February 14, 2025, was just like any other. Little did he know that by the time he woke up, his world would be turned upside down.
Karangu’s first wife, Trizah, whom he often referred to as “the wife of his youth,” had reportedly endured enough in their marriage. On that fateful night, she allegedly attempted to take her own life, citing mistreatment. Fortunately, a family friend and gospel artist, Essy wa Willy, intervened just in time. Essy took Trizah to her home and, in an unexpected move, decided to go live on TikTok late at night, bringing the matter to the public eye.
What initially seemed like a personal issue quickly escalated into a full-blown online storm. Karangu, either woken up by people that night or faced with an overwhelming shock the following morning, found himself at the center of a fierce public backlash. His attempts to explain himself were met with resistance. Every Facebook post he made attracted thousands of comments, mostly critical, as people refused to hear his side of the story.
Realizing the intensity of the situation, Karangu vowed not to discuss his marriage issues online. However, by this point, it was already too late. More public figures started weighing in on the matter, openly pledging their support for Trizah. The online community mobilized swiftly, launching a campaign to change Trizah’s life. The initiative included purchasing her a new phone, creating social media accounts for her—which gained over 100,000 followers in just a day—and raising a staggering 1 million Kenya Shillings by Tuesday, February 18.
Interestingly, Essy wa Willy also found herself on the receiving end of unexpected blessings. Businesswoman Wanja Nyarari gifted her a plot, and donations of construction materials began pouring in, enabling her to build a home. This came after Karangu had allegedly mocked her on a Facebook live session, telling his wife to return home instead of living in a bedsitter. The public, angered by Karangu’s remarks, rallied behind Essy, offering her support in more ways than one.
As the controversy grew, many of Karangu’s friends began distancing themselves, while others openly sided with Trizah. The situation had spiraled beyond his control. Now, with his wife in a better position—financially stable, socially empowered, and emotionally supported—Karangu continues to plead for her return. Perhaps he has learned from his mistakes, and if given a second chance, he might treat her differently.
But is it too late for him? Only time will tell.
