Bantering the dead, a worrying trend in Kenya

In search of fame and fun online, Kenyans on various social media platforms never lack ridicule and banter about anything that comes their way. No one is spared in such expeditions—not even the president, now dubbed 'Kasongo' or, better still, 'El-Chapo'.

However, an unpleasant trend has re-emerged: Kenyans on X (KOX) have consistently made fun of some critical situations. A myriad of text messages have, in weeks, flooded the social media platform in an attempt to ridicule the late Wafula Chebukati, who passed on after a battle with a cancerous brain tumour.

Various leaders came out with guns ablaze slamming those mocking the demise of the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson.

Ezekiel Mutua, the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO,  was quick to point out the issue, arguing on the moral compass among some Kenyans. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his concern on the trend. 

"How did we morally decay to the point of speaking ill of the dead, hating people so much that we even wish death upon those who have already passed? Have we lost our humanity? How will we regain it as a nation?”

More recently, the death of Elvis Namenya, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi's son, has resulted in uproar after a section of Kenyans online were quick to make fun of the situation.

Namenya passed on on March 25, in a road accident.

"Ndio tunaenda kwa Elachi. Tunaskia kijana yake amehama kenya," tweeted another netizen on X.

Ndio tunaenda kwa Elachi. Tunaskia kijana yake amehama Kenya. 

However, Namenya’s untimely death also serves as a reminder that we should always wish to others what we would  wish to ourselves.

|Photo: courtesy|

A few months back, Elachi had stated to the Gen Z protesters that if they were unhappy with Ruto's leadership they should vacate the country. This statement, at that time appeared insightful given the mysteries that surrounded the disappearance of notable vocal Ruto critics. 

"Foreigners praise Kenya as a great nation, yet some citizens are always complaining. If you think Kenya is so bad, why not leave? Why stay in a place you dislike? If you remain, accept that this is your home and work towards improving it,” Elachi remarked