Kenyan Gen Zs Create New Proverbs in Funny Thread: "Mvumilivu Hula Vumbi”

• Proverbs are essential for passing down wisdom, cultural values, and ethical lessons from one generation to the next
• These brief, meaningful sayings help people understand life’s complexities and navigate social relationships with insight
• Recently, Kenyan Gen Z has started creating their own humorous and relatable proverbs on TikTok, updating traditional sayings to reflect their modern world and experiences

In many African cultures, proverbs play a vital role in passing down wisdom, cultural values, and ethical teachings from one generation to the next.

These short, memorable phrases capture deep meanings and offer guidance for handling different life situations, helping people navigate social relationships effectively.

Proverbs also serve to preserve knowledge, shape behavior and choices, foster unity within communities, inspire creative expression, and act as powerful tools for education.

Their continued use strengthens cultural identity and ensures important lessons remain alive across time.

Which proverbs did Gen Z create?

However, Kenyan Gen Z has started a viral and humorous thread on TikTok in a bid to update proverbs.

@sultan.raham, a TikTok user, started it all by saying that the proverbs they grew up learning are outdated. He then urged his peers to coin phrases that relate to their world today.

"It is our time to start creating proverbs for our generation.

Haba na haba huenda Habanos," he wrote, encouraging TikTokers to share their sayings.

@sultan.raham got overwhelming responses, and TUKO.co.ke compiled some of the most hilarious sayings:

Muenimercy:

“Siku za mwizi ni wantam.”

Caroline Mwangi:

“Subaru huvuta Njeri.”

terry_terry:

“Fimbo ya mbali hugongewa.”

Ginah:

“Mtaka yote hupata kaswende.”

James M.:

“Akufaaye kwa dhiki ni understanding girlfriend.”

Waweru Eric:

'Maskini akipata hupiga sherehe."

Njuguna Charity:

"Mpanda ngazi ni fundi."

Wanjiru Mbugua Njui

Mtoto akililia wembe, mpee nail cutter

Mary Miri:

“Chelewa chelewa utapata umegongewa, mwenda tezi na omo anakula mamafua.”

MARIDADI SHOES:

“Haraka haraka utazima wa kwanza.”

The cop DJ:

“Aliyekudharau atakupiga ata kofi usipojituma.”

Lewinskie 🥰💖♥️ backup:

“Palipo wazee hapakosi wababa.”

Kendi:

“Haga na haga huvuta mbaba.”

🦋prim🌹:

“Mvumilivu hula vumbi.”

Zee:

“Asiyekubali kushindwa ni fan wa Manchester United.”

Pipette:

“Asiyeskia la mkuu yeye ni Gen Z.”

double L:

“When the deal is too good, call me.”

jowasallyKe 🇰🇪:

“Mchagua jembe hajui washwash.”

Vanessa Vanessa:

“Siku njema huonekana doh ikiingia. Asubuhi ni wewe.”

Netizens create Kenyan dictionary

Away from the Gen Z hilarious proverbs, netizens came up with an online dictionary, christened the "Kenyan dictionary", outlining peculiar behaviours of Kenyans.

In the dictionary, they defined different terms, including Instagram, Babyghurl, Mubaba, Sherehe, Baddies, Chairman among others.

The dictionary also outlined some of the common responses people get after texting others.

Uhuru Kenyatta supports Gen Zs

In January, after the anti-government protests, the former president urged the youth to be steadfast and courageous as they championed good governance.

Uhuru vowed to support the Gen Zs, asking them not to be cowed by anyone challenging them.

Uhuru's advice was received warmly among Kenyans, with some reminiscing about his days as the president.

He asks the youth to fight for what is rightfully theirs, but that did not sit well with President William Ruto.

The head of state condemned his predecessor's remarks, terming them inciteful. Ruto slammed leaders, saying their inciteful remarks could cause mayhem in the country.

He opined that leaders should encourage the youth to grab opportunities the government provides and not incite them.

What did Kenyan Gen Z tell Tanzanians?

In other news, tensions between Kenya and Tanzania rose following the detention and alleged mistreatment of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi by Tanzanian authorities.

Mwangi, who had travelled to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, was reportedly tortured and later deported, eventually found in a weakened state in Ukunda, Kenya.

The incident sparked outrage among Kenyans, especially Gen Z, who are credited with organising the June 2024 anti-government protests. In a viral TikTok video, Kenyan youth addressed their Tanzanian counterparts with a mix of satire and political commentary, mocking them for what they saw as political passivity.

They humorously declared Kenya the “capital of Africa” and claimed they were ready to help Tanzanians mobilise. The video triggered mixed reactions across the region as some praised the Kenyan Gen Zs for their boldness and activism, while others, particularly Tanzanians, found the tone offensive.

Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added details of the Kenyan dictionary created by netizens + Uhuru Kenyatta declares support for Gen Zs.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke