- US journalist Rob Finnerty sparked fury among Kenyans after comparing American cities affected by immigration to Nairobi on live television
- Kenyans flooded his social media pages with criticism, with some digging into his past court cases in retaliation
- Finnerty later posted a public apology, acknowledging he had misspoken and praising Kenyans' love for their capital city
A US television journalist found himself at the centre of an online storm after making remarks on live TV that drew an immediate and fierce response from Kenyans.
Source: Instagram
While anchoring a news segment on immigration, Rob Finnerty suggested that the influx of migrants into American cities was turning them into places that resembled Nairobi rather than New York.
He added that authorities had no clear picture of where the migrants were coming from, then handed over to a colleague who went on to interview several people on the street.
The irony that none of those interviewed had any connection to Nairobi or Kenya did little to soften the blow. If anything, it sharpened Kenyans' irritation.
How Kenyans Responded to Finnerty's Words
Within a short time, Kenyans had descended on Finnerty's social media pages, flooding his comment sections with sharp rebuttals.
Some went further, unearthing details from his legal history and sharing them publicly. The sustained pressure left him with little choice but to address the matter head-on.
A day after the broadcast, Finnerty posted an apology directed specifically at Nairobi and its people.
"I want to offer an apology to the people of Nairobi, Kenya.The passion you have for your city and homeland is amazing. We all make mistakes. I misspoke, and I am sorry to anyone I have offended," he wrote.
Not everyone accepted the apology gracefully, and the responses online were sharply divided.
How the Online Community Reacted
Julius Wabwire:
"He's right, I don't know why he's apologising. If you're in New York, Nairobi is nothing."
Basil Nyariro:
"He started a war he has no idea how to end, another happy client. Tunatoka South Africa straight mpaka US."
Daniel Waweru:
"Why apologise for saying the truth? Even presidential aspirants come over there for campaign."
Gerard Hommie Quan:
"Resorting to lazy, archaic tropes about African cities exposes a glaring lack of global awareness. Instead of offering informed commentary, his approach relied on shock value and dog-whistle comparisons designed to stoke fear about domestic immigration."
The episode underlined the speed with which Kenyans mobilise online when they feel their country has been misrepresented, turning a brief on-air comment into a days-long reckoning for the journalist who made it.
Australian man excited after getting Kenyan phone number
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Australian man Mark Pollard’s day in Nairobi, when he secured a visa extension, received a yellow fever vaccination and obtained a Kenyan phone number.
His day included climbing 17 floors at Nyayo House after the lift broke down and learning to use M-Pesa.
Pollard also hinted that he may soon choose an official Kenyan name, prompting a warm response from Kenyans online.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: