The Story Behind Viral "Nitakufinya" Memes

A meme of the viral 'Nitakufinya' man
A meme of the viral 'Nitakufinya' man
(COURTESY)

Kenyans on social media have been united by a common phrase (Nitakufinya) throughout the week, with meme lords taking advantage of the wave to create rib-tickling texts and images.

Most netizens, however, do not know the origin or story behind the word that has been trending for quite sometime now.

The term is coined from an old video where K24 TV did an investigative piece exposing illegal electricity connections in informal settlements, specifically in Mukuru, Nakuru County. 

A past interview aired on K24 TV
A past interview aired on K24 TV
K24TV

The interviewee, Charles Musyoka, was narrating how electricity wires had been left naked, posing a danger to the area residents.

"Everyone here uses the illegal connections, I was once electrocuted and it affected my hands," he narrated before he was cut short by a man who was part of a crowd behind him.

The crowd appeared concerned that the revelations was likely to expose them to a crackdown by the government and the Kenya Power Company which has unsuccessfully sought to cut the irregular connections. 

The man, who is currently trending, was not pleased with Musyoka's narration and was heard threatening the witness.

He told him to stop talking about electricity matters and instead ask the government to offer him a job opportunity since he was on national television.

"Stop talking about electricity matters. Let the people involved to speak about it. Ask the government to give you a job," he stated before Musyoka indicated that he already had a job.

The man would walk away saying Nitakufinya (I will deal with you) to which Musyoka responded 'Finya'.

Nitakufinya has become an online sensation with creatives playing around with the term to create memes. Some of the memes that have been created include;

"New shoes in first new week - Nitakufinya."

"When the toothpaste is about to run out - Nitakufinya."

Kenya power has been working towards reducing total system losses to 20 per cent by end of June 2021. 

In March, the power distributor started a countrywide operation to curb illegal electricity connections and enhance efficiency after it realised a 24.7 per cent loss in the year ending June 2020.

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