Kenyans on social media have been full of adventure in 2016. Netizens from this side of the Sub-Saharan have not been left behind when trends, hashtags and challenges went viral on the internet.
Kenyans.co.ke made a list of top 10 challenges that Kenyans widely shared and took part in this year.
1. #UhuruChallenge
An interesting photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta entering a mud house to witness the installation of electricity in the area, caught the attention of many who turned it into a challenge.
In the image, Mr Kenyatta was captured with eyes wide open which many opined that he expressed shock and surprise.
Kenyans took photos of themselves mimicking the Head of State and shared on social media.
2. #RutoChallenge
Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto set a trend among Kenyans when he was allegedly brutally attacked by police officers during a football match in his county.
Mr Ruto appeared before the media with an elastoplast on his face, something that drew the interest of a section of the public.
The trend which was used to seemingly mock him, was adopted by many who plastered their faces and posed for pictures.
Though the Governor claimed he had been seriously injured, some Kenyans hardly believed him. Nonetheless, Mr Ruto traveled to South Africa where he underwent an operation.
#rutochallenge pic.twitter.com/EdW9TIjIJb
— Philosopher (@Philosopher254) November 13, 2016
Hero's welcome awaits governor Rutto on arrival from South Africa hahaha #RuttoChallenge pic.twitter.com/oyplOTkg6I
— IG: @Mose.ax (@Moseax) November 18, 2016
3. #JacketChallenge
A popular brown leather jacket seemingly associated with the Kalenjin community also made it to the list of popular social media trends in the country.
The Jacket (funnily pronounced as chaket) challenge saw many pose for photos and create memes of the now popular attire.
#KalenjinJacket pic.twitter.com/1eZNHLMqs2
— Masinde (@RafMasinde) September 6, 2016
#kalenjinjacket #mrsea #MotherTeresa #MyFavChildhoodCartoon @indiasea1 #KenyaVsNigeria pic.twitter.com/4zuwSlUGAf
— Dennis mukalavai (@Mrsea254) September 4, 2016
4. #MuseveniChallenge
A photo of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni making a phone call while siting on a chair by the road side, caused a buzz regionally with thousands of Kenyans moving in to participate in what was termed as #MuseveniChallenge.
This challenge grabbed the attention of businessmen, comedians, politicians, musicians who did not want to be left behind.
@KagutaMuseveni roadside call excites region #Musevenichallenge https://t.co/Xermmuf5OJ pic.twitter.com/hpZqxxZmyq
— I am Polycap Mukudi (@Allanpolycap) July 15, 2016
“@Kiss100Kenya: Ladies & Gentlemen, We have a winner... @RMAKenya CEO nails it..."pic.twitter.com/BzyXPWNZzN”#Musevenichallenge - nicely done!
— Kirsten Smith (@kirstenatgong) July 15, 2016
Hata hii ni #Musevenichallenge? pic.twitter.com/zVdd7Fch6r
— Simba wa Nyeri (@ngunjiriwambugu) July 15, 2016
5. #BabaChallenge
Shortly after the Museveni Challenge, CORD leader Raila Odinga was also caught chatting on his phone while stepping on the tyre of his vehicle.
This was turned into a challenge under the hashtag #BabaChallenge.
Forget the #MuseveniChallenge, the new show in town is #BabaChallenge pic.twitter.com/SAXcmAnrYO
— Ahmed Mohamed (@asmali77) September 21, 2016
#BabaChallenge... pic.twitter.com/3qEAvpafir
— Dj Soxxy (@DjSoxxy) October 4, 2016
6. #MadowoChallenge
NTV journalist Larry Madowo sparked a challenge when he posted a photo in which he conducted a prime time television interview in beach shorts at the Coast.
While on the screens Kenyans only saw his upper body which was adorned in a smart formal suit, Madowo posted the full photo on social media revealing that at the bottom he had shorts and sandals. This prompted the #MadowoChallenge.
#MadowoChallenge@LarryMadowo pic.twitter.com/xnYgHKEhfl
— High KOT (@NyakundiDan) November 21, 2016
@LarryMadowo
Kenyans never disappoint in taking up a challenge. #madowochallenge @LarryMadowo @cindyogana @eddiebutita @CiruMuriuki pic.twitter.com/D4kf0Siud6— msupadosh (@msupadossh) November 21, 2016
7. #NationalAnthemChallenge
Kenya's National Anthem also made it as one of the challenges conducted in the country. In this challenge individuals, corporates, bands,choirs etc would make their own rendition of the national anthem then pose a challenge to anyone of their choice to participate.
#KenyaAnthemChallenge #proudtobekenyan https://t.co/WfMRFibMyD
— David (@daudigitonga) September 13, 2016
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8. #MillieOdhiamboChallenge
Mbita Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo closed the year with a challenge after causing a dramtic scene in Parliament during a Special Sitting.
Ms Odhiambo decided to enter Parliament buildings barefoot after security officers allegedly restricted CORD MPs from driving into the precincts of the Assembly.
Her theatrical entrance into Parliament caught the attention of many who turned it into a social media challenge dubbed #MillieOdhiamboChallenge.
#milliechallenge #LipaKamaTender @UKenyatta pic.twitter.com/RqbaS6by83
— edat investments (@griefbutbrief) December 22, 2016
Meanwhile they are trying. #MillieChallenge pic.twitter.com/KIG8Q3huz4
— Hani (@BatranAbdi) December 22, 2016
9. #ShebeshChallenge
Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh became a laughing stock of the country when she was photographed helping a disabled begger on the streets.
Shebesh was captured kneeling on the streets talking to the begger. Her move rubbed many in the worng way as it was seen as a PR stunt.
This was also prompted by the fact that her intiative came days after a Safaricom agent captured the hearts of many Kenyans after she went on bended knees to help out a disabled man who needed services.
The #ShebeshChallenge pic.twitter.com/UFfqQx8fwD
— Masaku (@masaku_) November 1, 2016
Hahaha #ShebeshChallenge pic.twitter.com/0fNrWVQcpZ
— Mike Katetei (@profkatts) November 2, 2016
10. MannequinChallenge
The mannequin challenge started in the US but was picked up by Kenyans as it went viral on the internet. Corporates and individuals took part in the challenge which involves people remaining frozen in action while a camera moves to film them.
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