Hilarious Memes that United Kenyans and Dominated Social Media Trends in 2023

In 2023 Kenyans came up with hilarious memes even as the country went through challenges such as the high cost of living and El Nino rains.

In this article, we look at some of the viral memes that dominated in 2023.

Kitawaramba

The slang rose to prominence on April 15 2023 after controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie uttered the word as a warning after he was arrested.

"Mnachopigana nacho hamkijui na kitawaramba, kitawaramba nawaambia," Mackenzie stated.

Kenyans then jumped into the trend and created hilarious memes around the phrase. Some used the slang to warn their friends to stay away from certain situations or else 'Kitawaramba'.

The Phrase was in December 13 named among the top 10 words of the year by the Associated Press (AP) sitting pretty amongst viral global wordings like 'rizz', 'AI' and 'Bwa Kale'.

Pastor Mackenzie has been charged in relation to various crimes among them indoctrination of faithfuls, cruelty to children, and reported deaths inside the Shakahola forest.

The controversial preacher was later jailed for 12 months for the offense of operating a film studio and producing films without a valid license.

Na Nilikua nimewawarn

The Phrase was coined by President William Ruto during his visit to Homa Bay County on January 13, 2023.

The Head of State said that he had warned the Nyanza region against discriminating against him.

"Na nyinyi nilikuwa nimewawarn, niliwaambia mkiendelea kunibagua nitawashtaki kwa Mungu," Ruto stated.

The phrase became popular online with Kenyans creating memes from the slang while others printed t-shirts with the viral phrase.

Mambo Imechemka

The phrase was coined by Kenyan musician Karuga Kimani popular known as KRG the Don. It loosely translates to "things are heated".

The phrase resonated well with Kenyans especially those reacting to a war of words between two people of where scandals are likely to pop up.

After the phrase went viral, KRG released a song on the phrase featuring Dufla Diligon and Daddy Andre.

Habari Zenu

Habari Zenu phrase came up in November after a guy was captured in a video using it repeatedly while asking congregants who had booked a space in a restaurant to leave since they had surpassed their time.

The phrase went viral online with Kenyans creating memes from it depicting various scenarios.

The guy behind the video, in an interview after going viral, identified himself as Nolly and claimed that the person who recorded him only picked the part he was repeatedly saying ‘Habari Zenu’

"The one who took a video decided to post what he posted... Habari Zenu (How are You) is a normal greeting. If you are someone who has grown up in Mombasa, this is a normal greeting,” he said.