BARINGO, Kenya – Social media platforms are emerging as effective tools for spreading positive messages.
They make it easier to generate funds, rally support, and increase awareness.
Against this background, a chief in Baringo County has taken the initiative to embrace social media technology in a way that not only entertains but also educates.
Felix Chesire, an assistant chief has earned the name, “TikTok Chief” for his innovative use of the popular social media platform to address social vices like illicit brew, and drug addiction.
The Dogol sub-county in Kipcherere administrator has become a TikTok sensation courtesy of his comical posts on his TikTok account, “Soi Comedy,” which has earned him a following of 56,000 followers on the social media platform.
“At least my content has gone viral, gaining fame beyond the Kipcherere sub-location to Baringo County and Kenya as a whole. The youth are now transformed after sensitising them about the effects of drug abuse,” said the chief, who has also sensitised women on matters of health and nutrition for their children.
Who mostly consume Chief Chesire’s content
Y News has established that the assistant chief and two youths, Vincent Chesang and Caleb Kiplagat, are using the platform to raise awareness of substance abuse through comedy.
“Our chief has struggled with us because previously we couldn’t listen to anyone. But we had to listen to him after watching his skits, and our lives are now on the right trajectory,” said Vincent Kipsang, a Baringo resident.
Through their popular TikTok skits, the trio have amassed a large following, especially from the Kipcherere area.
While their content is humorous, it highlights the consequences of evil actions and promotes positive change—a message that has resonated strongly with the local community.
Their skits have resonated with a huge audience, more so the Gen Zs.
“The only way you can engage a big audience in the current generation is through a mobile phone. Previously when I could call for a local baraza, it was only the elderly people who would show up. The youth would stay way scrolling their mobile phones. So, I had to engage the elders, and that is when I ventured into TikTok to get their attention,” added the chief.
Why Chief Felix Chesire is a beacon of hope
Vincent and Caleb, who were once drug addicts, turned their lives around through Chief Chesire’s intervention.
Today, they are a key part of the chief’s TikTok campaign, spreading a message of change and hope to young people.
Their sketches, depicting the journey from addiction to transformation, have become hugely popular, especially with the young people, who often don’t attend the local community gatherings (baraza), the chief hosts.
Alice Boiwo, another resident of Baringo lauded the chief for taking advantage of the social media platform to empower women.
“He has been able to engage women. Even at the moment, some women have joined groups; they have borrowed loans and are not empowering themselves courtesy of him,” explained Boiwo.
Y News understands that with short-form video formats that are ideal for sharing rapid jokes, skits, and comic acts, TikTok has grown to be a key comedy outlet.
How TikTok is driving comedy content creation
As part of his commitment to transformation, Chief Chesire also encourages the importance of a support system for those who have changed.
Those who have returned to the right path are encouraged to form groups and organise support groups to ensure they remain on track in a new, positive direction.
Because of the algorithm’s speedy material distribution, comedians have been able to amass enormous fan bases and shape trends.
Because of this, several comedic subgenres have emerged on TikTok, including satire, physical comedy, and observational humour.
The platform creates a dynamic atmosphere where viral challenges and trends continuously reshape the comedy landscape, pushing producers to experiment and adapt to remain relevant and connect with new viewers.
TikTok has democratised humour by making creating and sharing content easy, allowing fresh talent to emerge quickly.
