Mukii announced that she had sent her termination notice to the Miss Universe Kenya Organization
In a shock move, Miss Universe Kenya 2024 Irene Ng’endo Mukii announced on Friday, November 29 that she had resigned from the position.
In a notice she shared on her social media platforms, Mukii announced that she had sent her termination notice to the Miss Universe Kenya Organization after careful consideration of her commitment to the impact of community service through her platform.
The 26-year-old expressed immense gratitude to Kenyans for their support during the journey and confidently stated that her focus was primarily on transformational leadership to empower marginalized communities.
“I stay committed to the impact agenda of community service through my platform, Inspirene Revolution, towards my generation and can therefore only align with environments with values and work ethic that can help in achieving the agenda,” she wrote in part.
Irene Mukii, who resigned as Miss Universe Kenya. /INSTAGRAM.IRENE MUKII
“After careful consideration, I have decided to send in my termination notice to the Miss Universe Kenya Organization. To all of you who have shown support, thank you.”
She expressed excitement for the road ahead as far as her platform is concerned, adding “Let us continue working together for the good of our people.”
Irene was crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2024 in a glamorous pageant held at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. She participated in the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant held in Arena CDMX, Mexico on November 16, 2024, bringing Kenya back to the pageant after a two-year absence.
Before proceeding to the global stage, Irene ranked among the top seven contestants from Africa and Oceania region.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned as Miss Universe 2024, marking Denmark’s first win. Chidimma Adetshina ranked first runner-up and also won the title for Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. María Fernanda from the host country, Mexico ranked second runner-up
Before the title, Mukii who also has an impressive background as a software engineer, philanthropist and fitness enthusiast, was crowned Miss Africa in 2020 and Miss Jomo Kenyatta University in 2018 during her college days.
This statement notably came after she experienced backlash following her performance at the Miss Universe Pageant. Responding to the feedback, Mukii revealed that she loved Kenyan culture and explained the significance behind one of her outfits that sparked controversy.
Allegations later surfaced on Xtra TV Access by former Miss Universe Kenya Rachel Mbuki. It was further claimed that Mukii wore her designs instead of those provided by the Miss Universe organisation during the global pageant in Mexico.
Additionally, it was revealed that she allegedly ignored messages from the Miss Universe team while in Mexico, leaving them concerned about her commitment.
Further claims indicated that Mukii refused to train with her appointed coach while in Kenya, disregarding vital preparation for the competition.
Netizens also voiced their opinions, with many commenting on her posts regarding the situation. Some felt underwhelmed, particularly about her national costume, compared to the stunning outfits worn by other African contestants.
Mukii’s choice to wear shorts instead of a more striking costume drew criticism, as many had expected something bolder and eye-catching to represent Kenya at such a prestigious event. Her resignation notice has since sparked a huge debate on social media.
