6 Kenyan Media Personalities Who Were Victims of Cyber Bullying

A recent incident where a young Kenyan woman committed suicide following the harsh words she received from a section of users on Face book, underlines the extent to which the rampant cyber bullying incidences could get.

Brenda Akinyi, who was laid to rest last week, committed suicide by throwing herself into oncoming traffic near the Kabete Police Station on Waiyaki Way. She was allegedly bullied by Facebook users of a popular group, Buyer Beware, after posting about the defilement of her three-year-old daughter.

While her case is regrettable, cases of cyber bullying continue to thrive in the clearly ungoverned social media.

Kenyans.co.ke compiled a list of media personalities who were once harshly bullied on social media.

1. Lynda Nyangweso

In May 2013, popular radio presenter Lynda Nyangweso fell under cruel attack after a photo of her found its way to Twitter.A section of online militia hiding behind their screens seized the opportunity to mock the talented radio presenter over her weight.

Some of the cruel tweets read: "That MoMokward MoMoment when Linda Nyangweso books a table for 2 ok, Linda Nyangweso makes Kalekye look like a model, ukipiga Linda Nyangweso picha, instead ya format ya JPEG, inajisave format ya JPIG, this Linda Nyangweso discussion is such a weighty issue…".

The outspoken radio personality, however, showed no hard feelings for the harsh comments. She wrote, "omg woke up this morning to realize people have discovered my secret:I’M FAT."

2. Adelle Onyango

In October 2014, Kiss FM Presenter Adelle Onyango was a victim of sadistic cyberbullying after a social media user compared her to a monkey.The person posted a photoshopped meme with an insulting juxtaposition of a monkey next to her.

Another posted a comment that read, "You are pretty, very pretty, just fix your teeth. I am sure you can more than afford it. Plus your smile is pretty just the teeth."

The ever jovial radio personality hit back writing, " I don’t describe to your definition of beauty or perfection. How sad must your life be to go around pointing out at what people have to change about themselves? I pray that you get over whatever insecurities your life is drenched in and seek life, not perfection. I like my teeth just fine."

3. Judith Nyambura Mwangi aka Avril

In April 2015, celebrated Kenyan musician Judith Nyambura Mwangi aka Avril was attacked on social media after she posted a photo where she had no makeup on, showing some skin blemishes and heavy acne scarring on her forehead.

A section of Kenyans on social media went ahead to call her ugly and some even made memes with insults about her acne and pimples.

Avril was later chosen as the face of Oriflamme Kenya and ‘I Am Beautiful’ spokesperson, which seeks to help women realise that they are beautiful.

Shortly after her acne started to disappear and she went to social media and posted: "They laughed at me about 4 months ago. Ridiculed me to a point I didn’t even understand what for. Made memes and called me ugly. But guess what, my acne scars are slowly fading away! My forehead doesn’t have even one pimple yet that was the heaviest affected bit on my face. No condition is permanent. Always remember that. Thank you, Oriflame for helping me understand my skin. Give me another 4 months and my skin will be completely healed."

The Ukimwona hit maker also recently faced the wrath of the public when she posted three HIV test kits on social media confirming that she was HIV negative.

This caused an uproar with people asking, "Who do you think you are? Why are you showing us your HIV status? Kwani unajishuku?

Avril, however, responded revealing that many of her fans might have been afraid to get tested, hence the rant.

4. Janet Mbugua

In October 2015 former Citizen TV anchor Janet Mbugua was attacked on social media during her pregnancy by personalities who did not think she was supposed to be on air with her baby bump.

One such comment read: "(I wonder in what capacity) that Janet should go off air, and “not assume that viewers are enjoying her shape".

Thankfully Janet hit back at the bullies when she wrote, "People like you are a shame to society. I’m proud of my pregnancy as are many other women. Your ignorance is wanting"

5. Jimmy Gait

In June 2016, gospel artiste Jimmy Gait came under a scathing attack on social media after he released a song titled: 'Yesu ndiye Sponsor.'

The name sponsor has been corrupted by Kenyans to mean a man or woman especially elderly ones who finance the lifestyles of younger men or women for sexual favours.

Kenyans on social media bashed Mr Gait on his choice of words deeming the song as disrespectful to God.

One such comment read, "Jimmy Gait need to be taken to Mathare Hospital after Yesu ndioSponsor next utaskia Yesu ndio IEBC."

The Furifuri hitmaker on Friday last week nearly shed tears during an interview on NTV when he narrated about the criticism he got following the disputed song.

“People forgot about all the good songs I had done for close to nine years and started insulting me saying all sort of things.It was difficult for me because I am human.Just one song made Kenyans think that I am trash,” Gait lamented as he succumbed to emotions.