10 reasons people don't leave WhatsApp groups

Friends engrossed in their mobile phones.

Joining a WhatsApp group can be both voluntary and involuntary. You have little choice when your boss includes you in the office one. Or the pastor adds you to the church group called 'Knee of Christ.' Family ones are also ideal to know which cousin got pregnant. Then there are chama and alumni groups for networking and bonding.

While it's easier to exit some groups, mostly wedding ones at midnight (when the admin is asleep), some are not so easy to press the exit button. There are other reasons we stick to groups we badly want to leave. Like fear of being the topic of discussion. For others, these groups are the only forums they can showcase their comical sides. Here are 10 reasons people don't leave whatsApp groups:

1. The boss is admin

Many Kenyans are stuck in office WhatsApp groups for the simple reason that they were added by the idle ka-mdosi. Despite rarely ever commenting on any subject, they stick just to appear like team players. They are there to gauge what the said ka-mdosi is thinking, besides keeping abreast with company shenanigans and gossip.

2. The Koikoi clan

This is the family group where ruracios, weddings, burials, medical expenses and those with Covid-19 in shags are discussed. There is also swapping of hot gossip and sharing good memories. From older uncles, you also get to know about family history and why your dad was nicknamed 'Ghost.' Family groups have offshoot ones like 'Koikoi Cousins,' which comes alive when Alice Koikoi is jetting from majuu. These groups are hard to leave as it's like ex-communicating yourself.

3. The Class of '99

These are mostly high school and college alumni groups. They are for bonding and networking, but later turn into fundraising committees for funerals and medical funds for alumni of Kagizani High School. They also turn into show-off forums for those doing better than others. People stick in these groups to keep tabs on others and exchange high school memories

4. The Knee of Christ

The pastor is the group admin, knows all the members and dishes out duty roster randomly. The church choir is most vocal. You can't leave the church group. Kwani you don't know God? Kwanza when you're the treasurer, it is even harder leave...and you also fear going to hell!

5. Black market

It is ideal for women who can't afford the boho chic closet and is too proud to do rounds in Gikomba. They thus send admin photos downloaded on Pinterest for her to shop for them. Soko nyeusi could also be the estate market from where you shop from your couch and despite being flooded with endless forwards, you hang on!

6. Jobless corner

This group is normally created by a jobless Kenyan who pulls adverts from job sites and fellow jobless members can't leave for obvious reasons.

7. Hustlers vs dynasties

Members are the politically-conscious who want to shape Kenya's politics in 2022 as keyboard warriors. You will find them in groups like RAO Forum and Ruto Damu. These groups also have Facebook equivalents and are mostly sponsored by political aspirants. You can't leave as this is where you share your one-sided opinions and want to know what others are thinking.

8. Forced membership

You wake up and find yourself in a ruracio, funeral or medical appeal group, where your best friend included you without your consent. You can't get out because your friend is getting married or someone died and has to be buried!

9. Bwerere marketing

Those without followers on social media resort to marketing their talents in comedy, photography or as content creators in groups where they can push their brands for free. Digital marketers find them ideal for advertising new gyms, pubs or beer brands. They can't leave...ever!

10. Hangers-on

These are mostly the insecure who don't want to be left out of anything. They refresh phones if groups are silent. The group adds no value, but they don't want to 'left' for fear of what others will say. They hang on as they read all comments silently!