Kenyans who went viral for mocking Raila Odinga Junior have issued emotional apologies to the nation and his family following public outrage over their insensitive behaviour.
The remorseful social media users took to TikTok to express regret for making fun of Raila Junior’s facial appearance, shortly after the burial of his father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
Many Kenyans rallied behind the Creative Hub CEO after a disturbing trend emerged on TikTok, where several users participated in a “challenge” mocking how he looks. Raila Junior has previously opened up about living with acoustic neuroma, a rare, non-cancerous growth that develops on the nerve connecting the ear to the brain.
One of the most criticised videos featured a woman, Nelly Wanjiru, performing the challenge alongside a young girl. The clip quickly went viral, sparking nationwide anger as many accused her of setting a terrible example for children.
Overcome with emotion, Wanjiru appeared on TikTok in tears, pleading for forgiveness from Kenyans and the Odinga family.
“Hey guys, ni Nelly Wanjiru, mwenye alifanya ile TikTok video na mtoto. Naomba msamaha kwa Wakenya, nikianzia na familia ya Raila Odinga Junior,” she said, visibly distressed.
She apologised on behalf of the young girl, insisting the child was innocent and that she bore full responsibility for the video. “Kwa niaba ya ule mtoto naomba mnisamehe tafadhali. Ule mtoto hana makosa. Sikuwa na intention mbaya nikifanya iyo challenge. I hope mnaweza ona kwa roho zenyu mnisamehe,” she added tearfully.
Another TikTok user, a young man identified as Ismail, also came forward to apologise. He admitted that the video had landed him in trouble, claiming he had been followed by unknown individuals and narrowly escaped arrest.
“I am begging for forgiveness for ile content nilifanya ya kuimitate Raila Odinga Jr. I am sorry guys because imekuwa story kubwa. Imagine kuna watu walinitafuta, I was almost arrested. Hadi kwa sasa niko mafichoni. Naomba msamaha kwa Wakenya wote, na wenye mnafanya hii challenge muache,” he said.
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Their apologies have drawn mixed reactions online. While some Kenyans applauded the move, others remained sceptical, questioning the sincerity of their remorse.
Instagram user Mtwapa Finest wrote, “Everybody makes mistakes, the important thing is to learn from them.”
Another, Jamila, criticised Wanjiru, saying, “Parents should not be caught saying or doing anything concerning other people’s children. Also, pretending to cry wasn’t necessary.”
Edwin Ragama expressed outrage, stating, “Why should you make fun of someone who is mourning? The loss of their dad is still fresh in the minds of the Odingas, but wewe ni nani ukaona uongeze kuwakejeli? Hivi sasa wameiona video na picha zako za kipuuzi, unadhani wanahisi vipi?”
