Former presidential running mate says ISHOWSPEED’s Nairobi visit was a GoK project amid claims of multimillion pay out

Monday, January 19, 2026 - Former Roots Party deputy leader, Justina Wamae, has raised questions over the Kenyan Government’s involvement in the recent visit by American streamer, IShowSpeed.

In a statement posted on her X account on Monday, January 19^th, 2026, Wamae challenged officials to explain the purpose and economic value of the high‑profile trip.

“Now that he’s out of earshot, they are saying IShowSpeed was a GoK project. Kama MKenya, uchumi wako umeimarika kivipi na kukuja kwake nchini? Ama hainihusu?” she wrote.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., arrived in Nairobi on January 11^th as part of his 28‑day Speed Does Africa tour, which spans more than 20 countries.

His week in Kenya attracted national and international attention, with visits to Nairobi National Park, local markets, and a safari in Maasai Mara, drawing large crowds of young fans.

President William Ruto personally welcomed the streamer, describing Kenya as “magical” and positioning the country as a hub of culture and hospitality.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed the sentiment, calling the visit a form of “digital tourism” that could reshape global perceptions of Kenya beyond traditional safaris.

The Kenya Tourism Board invited the public to suggest destinations for him, highlighting vibrant cities, cuisine and cultural diversity.

IShowSpeed’s livestreams from Kenya gained millions of views, with his channel surpassing 48 million subscribers worldwide during the tour.

Reports indicated he gained 360,000 new subscribers on his first full day in Nairobi alone.

However, veteran journalist Saddique Shabban claimed the Kenya Tourism Board offered IShowSpeed a lucrative deal to promote the country, fueling debate on whether the Government’s investment delivered tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

The Kenyan DAILY POST