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When comedian Terrence Creative posed a question on Facebook, asking why Kenyans don't support celebrities when in need, many were offended.
Terrence, who said he was 'asking for friends', said Kenyans did not show celebrities support by not contributing money when they put up paybill numbers.
"Asking for friends…Mbona hampendi “celebrities” tukiwawekea paybill number mtusaidie wakati tuko na shida na sisi ni binadamu kama nyinyi na pia tunashikangwa na shida kama nyinyi tu?” read Terrence’s post.
The post elicited many reactions from Kenyans, most of whom seemed offended by the question.
Kamau Karanja believes fundraisers cannot cater to the lifestyles showcased by celebrities on social media.
"The kind of lifestyle the so called celebrities show on social media cannot in any way be associated with fundraiser paybills," said Karanja, adding that, "Very few of social media users may understand that whatever they see celebrities posting isn't really a reflection of their real life."
Mmera Senior said celebrities are entitled, adding that Kenyans already show their support by following their pages.
"Most of you live fake lives and rub it in our faces, when it's sunny you don't prepare for rainy days like the common us then later feel that we owe you...NO... Let celebrities live a true life and do proper financial management," said Mmera.
Mmera further questioned the number of celebrities who come through for their followers when in need.
Nyakwar Dani, who agrees, said, "We literally have to beg you guys through several tags and unanswered inbox messages before you guys help anyone that is not famous."
Lillian Mandu did not understand how not contributing to a celebrity's paybill meant not liking the person. She further likened how celebs clout chase by living large on social media as one of the reasons why Kenyans don't show their support.
"We grew up by associating celebrityhood with opulence and overflow of cash. The sight of a Paybill is somewhat confusing when images of their high cost clout chasing flows in our minds. Repackage yourselves and find a new brand name to alleviate the cognitive dissonance involved," wrote Mandu.
However, contrary to Terrence's statement, recent and past events show how Kenyans have contributed to celebrities when in need.
In June 2020, when comedian Akuku Danger put up a paybill number and appealed for medical help, Kenyans came out in large numbers to offer their support and even surpassed the amount needed.
In a radio interview, Akuku's girlfriend, actress Sandra Dacha thanked Kenyans for stretching out their hands to help her boyfriend, who suffered from sickle cell anaemia.
"I can never thank Kenyans enough, Kenyans are very great people, the first time Akuku Danger fell ill Kenyans raised Sh3.8 million, the second time they raised Sh800,000, it's just amazing," said Dacha during the interview.
In July 2020, Kenyans also came to the aid of former Tusker Project Fame contestant and TikTok personality Alvan Gatitu after he revealed that he had been thrown out of his house for rent arrears.
Alvan appealed via a video on Facebook, saying he had defaulted on rent, water, and electricity bills due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on his job.
"I don't know how Covid-19 has affected you, but this is my story and I'm not ashamed of it. My last resort is right here where I found a place to sleep," he said, adding that he was homeless at the time.
A few days after Alvan's appeal, social media funds mobilizer Ndungu Nyoro highlighted Kenyans on the progress, saying the contributions had amounted to Sh2.1 million.
Another notable personality who hit the headlines after appealing for help was former Tahidi High's Joseph Kinuthia aka Omosh.
However, after his interview, the comedian became a hot topic on Twitter after saying the people who had promised to help him out never fulfilled their promises. Omosh claimed he received less than a million shillings from well-wishers but went broke after he used the money to settle debts.
His remarks rubbed Kenyans the wrong way as many accused him of taking advantage of well-wishers.
Other celebrities who've appealed for help from Kenyans include Leonard Mambo Mbotela, David Kagongo alias David the Student, Comedian Peter Wamwea alias Consumator, and singers Justina Syokau and Ruth Matete.
