Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris has been involved in a heated exchange of words with popular content creator Andrew Kibe on the social media platform X.
The row centres on claims that some young male content creators are sexually harassing girls while filming content.
The confrontation was sparked when Passaris posted a clip appearing to show a young man conducting a street interview before seemingly tapping one of the participating girls on her behind.
This action led to the Women Repspeaking out strongly about the increasing trend.
Abomination Under Content Guise
Passaris stated that she had encountered several videos showing young men sexually harassing girls under the guise of content creation.
She called it shocking that such behaviour is being viewed as entertainment. The legislator noted the potential trauma a girl goes through in such an ordeal.
“I have come across several videos of young men sexually harassing girls in the name of content. Shockingly, such acts are being viewed as entertainment,” Passaris captioned the clip.
She highlighted that often, boys surrounding the victim stand aside and entertain the "diabolical abomination" instead of protecting her dignity. She stressed that the online space must be regulated.
“I am calling on the DCI Kenya to apprehend these boys immediately.”
Passaris linked the incident to ongoing efforts to curb violence, noting that this year's theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is "UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls".
She demanded that the arrests serve as a warning to anyone who assaults another person while claiming to create content.
Kibe Slams ‘The Great GBV Agenda’
Content creator Andrew Kibe swiftly responded to Passaris's comments. He told the Woman Rep to stop pushing a "stupid narrative about young men". Kibe asserted that the narrative was dangerous and misguided.
“Stop pushing this stupid narrative about young men. It’s dangerous and misguided. I do not condone assault on men or women, but let’s deal with each case individually,” Kibe stated.
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He claimed that Passaris had been paid to push 'The Great GBV AGENDA.’
“This blanket demonization of the young men in Africa is evil and straight from the devil’s handbook,” he added.
No Condone for Assault
Passaris quickly retaliated, dismissing Kibe's remarks as "puny lambistic, brain-matter-draining commentary". She questioned his implication that condemning harassment was "paid work," suggesting she must have missed her invoice.
The legislator clarified that she was responding to a "specific video". She maintained that assault should never be condoned, regardless of the gender of the individuals involved.
“So, condemning harassment is now paid work? Then, truly, I must have missed my invoice. Maybe using your voice didn’t quite pay off, but I would assume you can at least still use your eyes and see that I am responding to a specific video,” she said.
In a sharp closing remark, Passaris included a personal message to Kibe: "Bado uko US ama kiliumana? Karibu Nyumbani" (Are you still in the US or did things go wrong? Welcome home).
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