“Pulaia maisha!” – Meet Bena Wa Malines, the Funny Comedian Encouraging People to Enjoy Life
Kenya has been rocked by a new internet comic whose messages exhort people to live life to the fullest.
Bernard Kamulu, a 22-year-old from TikTok, gained popularity for his humorous Kamba-accented sketches and is well known for frequently saying:
“Pulaia maisha (enjoy life).”
Bena traced his act to primary school, where he performed oral narratives.
The student at Mount Kenya University in Thika said his messages are meant to encourage people to enjoy life.
“I don’t know tomorrow. Niwe na kitu mfukoni, nikose mbona niskasirike na naishi? Niko na ruhusa ya kutesa (Why should I be unhappy about being broke yet I am alive? Breathing means I have permission to have fun.)
The comedian disclosed that his family supported his skits and helped him develop content.
“We are seven kids, four girls and three boys and this is the language we speak at home. I even get some ideas from family. My mother is proud.”
Bena told Citizen Digital that his content blew up in June, and he has started getting calls from potential clients.
“I have gotten some calls for adverts, I pray to one day appear on TV and billboards.”
Bena, whose hilarious calls to his fictitious ex-girlfriend Carol amuse many, disclosed that he is in his final semester studying journalism.
The young man, who cites late Churchill Show comedian Ayaiya and Charlie Chaplin as role models, sent a word of advice to Kenyans, saying:
“Mbona unauma ndimu ata time life iko fiti, pulaia maisha (why should you be sad even when things are going great?)
The mistakes you did yesterday are in the past. You have tomorrow to make things better.”
