Lifestyle influencer Murugi Munyi has ignited fresh debate online following candid remarks she made during a recent interview about poverty, opportunity, and mindset in Nairobi.
Murugi, who recently celebrated purchasing a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d, has often positioned her journey as proof of what consistency and hustle can achieve in Kenya’s creative space.
Her rise from her early days at Ebru TV to becoming one of the country’s most recognisable lifestyle content creators has inspired many of her followers.
From Media Personality to Lifestyle Influencer
Known for her upbeat energy and unfiltered storytelling, Murugi has frequently shared lessons from her past. However, her latest comments struck a nerve with sections of the public.
During the interview, the influencer questioned why some Nairobi residents constantly complain about being broke despite what she described as numerous income-generating opportunities in the city.
Gikomba Hustle Story Resurfaces
Murugi drew from her own experiences, recalling how she once bought denim jackets from Gikomba Market for as little as KSh 30, cleaned them, added Ankara fabric designs, and resold them for between KSh 1,500 and KSh 2,000.
According to Murugi, that period shaped her belief that financial success is largely driven by mindset, ambition, and a willingness to work the ground.
“I’ve been on the streets, on the ground. I would wash the jackets, add Ankara, and sell them at a profit. Sometimes when someone says they’re broke in Nairobi, I wonder if it’s really about opportunity or mindset,” she said, adding that her desire to live comfortably pushed her to think differently about money.
Kenyans Divided Over Her Comments
Her remarks quickly divided opinion online.
Some critics argued that Murugi appeared disconnected from the realities facing many Nairobi residents, particularly rising living costs, limited capital, and unemployment. Others, however, defended her, saying she was simply sharing a personal perspective rooted in lived experience.
Netizens React
One user pointed out that once second-hand clothes are washed, their resale value often drops significantly. Another noted that not everyone has access to the same markets, networks, or timing that allowed Murugi’s hustle to succeed.
Others acknowledged her point but felt the phrasing around poverty was insensitive, while some agreed with her underlying message, saying hustle culture and creativity can open doors — even if luck and circumstance also play a role.
Celebrities Weigh In on Nairobi Living Costs
The wider conversation around money, lifestyle, and Nairobi living has also been echoed by other public figures.
In December 2025, rapper Dyana Cods recently revealed that the cheapest rent she ever paid in Nairobi was KSh 40,000 per month — a period she described as financially difficult.
She added that her current expectations are much higher, saying she now considers KSh 250,000 per month a reasonable standard, even though she currently lives in a more modest setup.
BY Geoffrey mbuthia
