Franklin Mark Gogo, better known across Kenya as MC Gogo, has spoken out after being swept into rumours about his sexuality and an alleged relationship with a prominent county governor.
The entertainer, who has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable hype men, dismissed the claims as baseless. Speaking in a phone interview with Milele FM presenter Ankali Ray, he laughed when asked directly whether he was gay. Switching between laughter and irritation, he insisted that the speculation had no grounding in truth. “Hatujuani, tunapatana wapi? Sijawahi muona, hata akicampaign sijamuona,” he said in Kiswahili, stressing that he had never even met the politician in question. For him, such rumours are simply part of what he called the “problems that come with being famous.”
The story first surfaced after a blogger claimed that the hype man was romantically involved with a youthful, high-profile governor. Within hours, the claim spread widely across social media, sparking heated online discussion. Gogo’s decision to respond directly appears aimed at putting an end to the speculation before it overshadows his career.
His own story, however, is a reminder of how quickly fame can turn. Gogo’s rise began in 2021 when a short TikTok clip of him hyping a crowd to the global hit Love Nwantiti went viral. His witty punchline, “Umeachwa mara saba na hujakufa…wacha zako,” spread like wildfire, remixed in countless videos and memes. The viral moment thrust him into the spotlight, transforming him from an unknown entertainer in Dandora into a household name.
Before his breakout, life was modest. Gogo grew up in Dandora, and after high school took a job as a primary school teacher where he earned only KSh 3,000 a month. To make ends meet, he turned to online shows with friends, which gradually built him a loyal following. By 2022, he had launched The Kingly Experience, a live showcase that confirmed his status as one of the most exciting hype men in Kenya.
The controversy he now faces is not unfamiliar in the Kenyan entertainment scene. Other celebrities, including fitness trainer Frank Kiarie—known to many as Frankie JustGymIt—have faced similar speculation. In 2024, Frankie was thrust into an online storm after posting photos in retro-inspired outfits. The looks, complete with heeled boots and manicured nails, prompted speculation about his sexuality. He responded with humour, saying in a YouTube video: “I love women. I love women so much that I had to get a couple.”
For MC Gogo, the lesson may be that stardom carries both applause and scrutiny. His name may be rising in the entertainment industry, but with it comes a spotlight that often magnifies both talent and rumour. For now, he appears determined to focus on his craft and leave the speculation behind.
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