From Gen Z Goliath to Sammy Boy: Why Kenya’s Biggest Celebs Were Chasing IShowSpeed at KICC

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) usually hosts heads of state and global summits, but this week, it belonged to one man: IShowSpeed. In a chaotic, high-energy spectacle that blurred the lines between digital fame and real-world mania, the U.S. streaming sensation didn’t just draw a crowd—he turned Kenya’s biggest stars into regular fans.

In a rare reversal of roles, the headline wasn’t about who was performing, but who was watching. Usually the ones being chased for selfies, some of Kenya’s most recognizable media personalities and digital influencers were spotted deep in the KICC trenches. Armed with smartphones and ring lights, these local icons were seen documenting Speed’s every bark and backflip, blending into the sea of fans to catch a glimpse of the global phenom.

The atmosphere was electric, defined by the “Speed” brand of chaotic energy. While many celebrities played the role of spectator, a few notable figures joined the inner circle. Bradley Marongo (the Gen Z Goliath), Kabugi, and Sammy Boy were seen navigating the estates and city streets alongside Speed, adding a distinctly Kenyan flavor to a broadcast watched by hundreds of thousands globally.

The event was a masterclass in modern “platform power.” The presence of local entertainers as spectators highlights a massive shift in the celebrity hierarchy:

• Cross-Border Clout: Global digital personalities now command the same—if not more—gravity than traditional local stars.
• The Documentation Loop: By posting their own reactions, Kenyan celebs amplified the event’s reach, creating a feedback loop of content that dominated TikTok, X, and Instagram for 48 hours straight.
• Authentic Chaos: Unlike a rehearsed concert, the KICC gathering was raw and unpredictable, which is exactly what keeps the “Speed Gang” tuned in.

Even after the cameras stopped rolling, the conversation hasn’t slowed down. Screenshots of Kenyan entertainers “fan-boying” and “fan-girling” have sparked a wider debate about the growth of the creator economy in East Africa. Whether it was the chants echoing through the KICC or the endless “duets” on TikTok, IShowSpeed’s visit proved that in the world of Gen Z entertainment, the screen is the stage—and everyone is invited to watch.