Here’s an overview of the top personalities who trended in the year 2024, along with the reasons for their prominence:
Donald Trump
Elected as the 47th President of the United States on November 6, 2024, Donald Trump’s political comeback and related controversies made him a globally searched figure.
Joe Biden
As the outgoing President of the United States, Joe Biden remained a subject of global interest during the 2024 election period.
Kamala Harris
U.S. Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris was a significant figure in global searches, reflecting interest in her political endeavors.
King Charles
King Charles III of the United Kingdom was a topic of global interest. His coronation and subsequent royal engagements attracted global attention.
Rigathi Gachagua
Former Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, was the most searched local personality by Kenyans in 2024. Gachagua’s impeachment became a national topic of debate, leading to significant public interest. His political activities and public statements kept him in the national spotlight.
Benny Hinn
American-based televangelist Benny Hinn was among the top searched global personalities in Kenya. Hinn returned to Kenya after over two decades to hold the “Healing the Nation” crusade, attracting significant public interest.
Baltasar Engonga
Formerly the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency , Balastar Engonga was embroiled in a significant scandal in 2024.
During a corruption investigation, authorities discovered approximately 400 explicit videos on his computer, depicting Engonga engaging in sexual activities with various women, including wives and relatives of high-ranking government officials.
Vybz Kartel
Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician Vybz Kartel topped Kenya’s Google search list. His music and ongoing legal battles kept him in the public eye.
Diddy
In 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs, the American rapper and music producer, became the center of significant controversy due to multiple serious allegations and legal actions:
Sexual Assault Allegations: In November 2023, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of rape and physical abuse during their decade-long relationship. Although this lawsuit was settled, it led to a series of additional accusations from other individuals alleging sexual misconduct by Combs.
Federal Charges: In September 2024, Combs was arrested on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges following a grand jury indictment. He pleaded not guilty but was denied bail and remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting a trial scheduled for May 2025.
Rebecca Miano
Rebecca Miano is a Kenyan lawyer and a continental business leader, currently serving as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.
She previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade & Industry from October 2023 to July 2024. Rebecca Miano garnered significant attention due to her initiatives aimed at boosting Kenya’s tourism sector.
Soipan Tuya
Roselinda Soipan Tuya is a Kenyan politician who has served as Minister of Defence since 12 August 2024. She previously served as Cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. She was the first Maasai woman to be in the Cabinet of Kenya.
Noordin Haji
Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Kenya, Noordin Haji was a prominent figure due to his involvement in national security matters.
Kithure Kindiki
Deputy President of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, attracted public interest through his political engagements and policy initiatives.
Kawira Mwangaza
Kawira Mwangaza, Governor of Meru County, was in the news for her administrative decisions and development projects within the county.
She was impeached by the Meru County Assembly and her impeachment was upheld by the Senate, although the court issued conservatory orders allowing her to continue serving as the Meru governor.
Jimmy Wanjigi
Businessman and political figure Jimmy Wanjigi remained a topic of interest due to his involvement in Kenyan politics and business ventures.
John Mbadi
Mbadi’s role in managing Kenya’s finances, particularly during budget announcements and economic reforms, attracted public attention.
Mwengi Mutuse
Mwengi Mutuse, a Kenyan politician, gained attention for his legislative activities and public service initiatives. He was the mover behind Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment motion.
Robert Nagila
A well-known journalist, Robert Nagila was frequently searched for his reporting on significant national and international events.
