Kenyan rapper and entrepreneur King Kaka has publicly apologised for his past involvement in the illegal trade of stolen mobile phones, opening up about a chapter of his life before finding success in the music industry.
Speaking during an appearance on the Certified Yap N Jams podcast, the award-winning artist admitted that he once worked as a broker for stolen phones while trying to survive financially in Nairobi.
King Kaka said the experience took place long before he became a household name, describing it as part of the difficult circumstances he faced while struggling to make ends meet.
King Kaka expresses regret
During the interview, the rapper apologised to anyone who may have lost a mobile phone during that period, saying he regrets his involvement in the trade.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Kila mtu aliibiwa simu hiyo time, I’m sorry.”
He acknowledged that he is not proud of that period of his life but chose to speak about it openly.
“Way back, I’m not so proud of this story but I lived it.”
“I used to buy stolen phones”
King Kaka explained that he acted as a middleman in the trade, buying stolen mobile phones before reselling them.
“Mimi nilikuwa broker wa simu. I used to buy stolen phones.”
The rapper said his actions were driven by financial hardship and the need to survive, adding that the experience is part of a past he has since left behind.
Today, King Kaka is one of Kenya’s most successful musicians and entrepreneurs, with a career spanning music, film, business and content creation. His candid confession has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising his openness while others reflected on the importance of personal growth and accountability.
