Comedian and actor Alex Mathenge has weighed in on Kenya’s heated financial debate, offering a colourful response to a viral claim made by forex trader Kenyan Prince.

Kenyan Prince had previously declared that a monthly salary of Ksh 50,000 amounts to a “death sentence”, especially to individuals who are 30 years and above.

Mathenge, in an Instagram story post, focused his critique not on the monetary value, but on the perceived morality behind the pursuit of instant wealth.

The Ksh 50K 'Death Sentence'

The initial controversy was ignited by online personality Kenyan Prince, who is known for making blunt statements regarding success and wealth.

Kenyan Prince, who describes himself as a forex trader, made his views clear during a livestream.

“If you are earning a salary of Ksh 50,000 a month, the only future you have is death,” Kenyan Prince stated.

For many young Kenyans who are financially stretched, this harsh quote resonated deeply. Economic pressure is significant in Nairobi, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment can cost up to Ksh 25,000.

Rising costs for food and fuel make the Ksh 50,000 salary insufficient for comfort.

Statistics show the scale of the struggle. Over 65% of employed Kenyans earn less than Ksh 60,000 a month.

Mathenge Fires Back at the Forex Trader

Responding to the viral statement, Alex Mathenge contrasted modest, honest earnings with questionable pathways to riches. The comedian argued that maintaining one’s physical integrity is more valuable than rapidly accrued wealth.

Mathenge’s post specifically mentioned the forex trader.

He suggested that future employment opportunities could lead to better salaries, starting at Ksh 100,000, then Ksh 200,000, and potentially reaching Ksh 500,000.

“It is better to earn 50k monthly, but your ‘behind’ is intact,” Mathenge stated.

The comedian added a stark warning about permanent damage:

“But once your behind is ruptured while making millions, it will never come back to its original diameter.”

Context Behind the Controversial Jibe

Mathenge’s use of the term “behind intact” is linked to a wider controversy surrounding the "forex trader" label in Kenyan online circles.

The term “forex trader” has developed a specific, controversial meaning among some social media users. In the Kenyan social media context, it is often used to describe men who are suspected of engaging in romantic relationships with other men for financial gain.

Read Also: Mockery or Reality?: Kenyan Prince Says Ksh 50K salary Is a “Death Sentence”

This description became a catchphrase, used in jest to label men suspected of this behaviour.

This background context has been highlighted in previous online debates, including a feud between comedian Flaqo and other forex traders, who accused Flaqo of negatively influencing youth.

Figures like Kenyan Prince have also been involved in escalating these online arguments.

Mathenge’s commentary draws directly on this popular, yet controversial, online association, placing morality at the centre of the debate about wealth accumulation.