Yesterday Lillian Ng’ang’a sparked controversy on X (formerly Twitter) after urging social media users to adopt respectful language when criticizing leaders.
Her comments, which were intended to promote constructive dialogue, instead unleashed a torrent of backlash, with many accusing her of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
In her post, the mother of one expressed concern over the increasing use of abusive language in online criticism of leaders.
She argued that insults dilute the impact of genuine concerns and called for a more mature approach to holding leaders accountable.
“It is unnecessary to use vulgar language or show disrespect when holding our leaders accountable. Deliver your message with maturity and respect. Adding insults diminishes the purpose,” Ng’ang’a wrote.
Her message was met with backlash from some social media users, who accused her of siding with political elites and called her appeal out of touch.
Some critics claimed her position might be influenced by leaders with hidden agendas, while others launched personal attacks, questioning her character and intentions.
Despite these appeals, Ng’ang’a’s message struck a nerve with netizens, many of whom see it as an attempt to silence dissent rather than address the systemic issues plaguing the country. Reactions to her post ranged from sharp criticism to outright insults.
One user, @polo_kimanii, dismissed her call for respect, writing, “You want us to fight back respectfully against people who are oppressing us? This isn’t a climate change debate—it’s war!”
Others accused Ng’ang’a of hypocrisy, with @Oirongo13 stating, “You have no moral authority to lecture anyone about ethics. If you want to play sycophant, do it elsewhere.”
Another critic, @BookerBiro, questioned the feasibility of respectful engagement with those in power, writing, “How can one reason with people whose privilege is built on exploitation and criminality?”
The heated exchange shows how frustrated and distrustful many Kenyans are with their leaders, and how skeptical they feel about public figures who ‘seem’ to side with the powerful.
This controversy also comes at a time when Kenyans are debating how leaders and citizens should behave on social media.
Recently, government officials have expressed concern about what they see as a decline in moral values, especially among young people, in their online interactions.
President William Ruto has urged parents to teach their children respect and good values, pointing out the increase in disrespect toward leaders.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also spoke out, warning social media users against posting harmful and inappropriate content about leaders.
He referred to incidents where fake AI-generated images showed leaders in offensive situations, including one portraying a leader in a coffin.
Murkomen condemned such actions as a sign of moral decline and called on parents, religious leaders, and communities to promote respectful communication.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA
