Social media sensation Goliath wa Bungoma has been involved in a tense public exchange with his former boss and mentor, car salesman Patrick Riang'a. The clash took place on TikTok Live and has become one of the most talked-about viral moments on Kenyan social media this week.

According to K24 Digital and Mpasho, Riang'a joined Goliath's live session and confronted him over what he described as repeated appeals for money from viewers, even though he had helped him land a job.

'You are always begging online'

"Every time I pass by online, you are there begging. It's not a good habit," Riang'a said during the broadcast, according to K24 Digital. "You are always begging online, yet I left you with a job."

Riang'a also questioned claims by Goliath, whose real name is Isaac Otesa, that he was struggling to pay rent and that his electricity had been disconnected. He said such appeals reflected badly on the company Goliath represents. "Every time I check online, you are begging. Stop embarrassing the company," he said.

Goliath replied that he never meant to embarrass Riang'a or the company. He said he sometimes faced personal difficulties and did not want to keep running to Riang'a or management for help. He then cut Riang'a off from the live session, and the exchange ended without any apparent agreement.

How the partnership began

The towering Goliath shot to fame online thanks to his unusual height. Riang'a, then at car dealership Car Soko, connected him with the firm, where he became a brand ambassador. Riang'a also backed plans to build Goliath a three-bedroom house in Bungoma.

Riang'a later left Car Soko for a rival dealership, while Goliath stayed on as the firm's ambassador.

Kenyans divided

The incident has split opinion online.

  • Some users sided with Riang'a, saying Goliath should not seek handouts in public while holding a paid brand deal.
  • Others defended Goliath, arguing that commercial partnerships do not always pay enough for creators who came from difficult backgrounds, and that the matter should have been handled privately.

Neither Car Soko nor Goliath had issued a formal statement on the matter by Monday.

Photos: Car Soko/Instagram via K24 Digital. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.