NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan TikToker Maribel Irungu, also known online as Immac Irungu, has died by suicide, her family confirms. Reports indicating Irungu had been battling mental health challenges in recent years.
Her death has prompted renewed concern about mental health struggles among young people navigating both personal and online pressures.
Irungu had previously worked in the corporate sector before losing her job, an experience that those familiar with her situation say marked a turning point in her life. In the period that followed, her behaviour reportedly became increasingly erratic, both offline and on social media platforms.
She later drew widespread attention online after publicly accusing and exposing individuals she had interacted with in her personal and professional life, including former colleagues and acquaintances. Some of the claims she made were contested, while others circulated widely on social media without independent verification.
Irungu’s online presence grew significantly as she began hosting frequent live sessions on TikTok, where her behaviour often attracted large audiences.
Residents in apartments where she stayed reported repeated disturbances linked to her broadcasts, particularly early morning outbursts that were sometimes streamed live. The incidents reportedly led to multiple evictions, after which she would relocate and continue similar patterns.
The visibility of her struggles on social media drew mixed reactions, with some viewers expressing concern for her wellbeing while others engaged with the content as entertainment.
Her death comes against a backdrop of growing concern over mental health challenges in Kenya, particularly among young people and digital content creators.
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Mental health professionals have increasingly warned that social media can amplify vulnerability, especially for individuals already experiencing psychological distress.
The pressure of online visibility, combined with personal setbacks such as job loss or social isolation, can worsen existing conditions.
In Kenya, access to mental health services remains uneven, with stigma still discouraging many from seeking help early.
Irungu’s case has reignited calls for greater awareness, early intervention, and responsible engagement online, especially when individuals display signs of distress publicly.
