Activist Morara Kebaso has questioned Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, about why he uses Telegram after the two engaged in a discussion about online safety and digital platforms.
Morara turned the spotlight on Mosiria’s use of Telegram, a platform that has often been criticised over the circulation of explicit and pirated content through some public channels.
"Home of All Evils"
“Who doesn’t know that Telegram is the home of all evils? Why are you on Telegram? I am a good church boy, and I don’t even have Telegram. But you, a church-going man, have opened a Telegram account.”
Read Also
Mosiria responded that his presence on the platform was strictly work-related.
“It is a channel of communication.”
Morara challenged that explanation, saying:
“In Ethiopia, not Kenya. If you are on Telegram, maybe you are an addict.”
The county official rejected the claim, explaining that his responsibilities require him to communicate and engage with members of the public through different digital platforms.
“My work is about communication, information and engagement with citizens.”
From Telegram to Tinder
Mosiriaadded that simply having an account on a platform should not be interpreted as endorsing inappropriate content.
“I am on Tinder. I am a person who respects my dignity and what I see and what I am protecting.”
He reiterated that while adults are responsible for their own choices online, the government has an obligation to protect children from exposure to harmful material.
“With adults, it will be okay with you. From the government, we have to protect the kids.”
Morara maintained that he would continue speaking out against content he believes promotes immorality.
“Let me be the only person who is against evil.”
The Controversy Behind the Clash: The Sheryl Gabriella Video Leaks
The discussion came days after Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria publicly called for investigations into content creator Sheryl Gabriella following the circulation of alleged leaked intimate videos online.
Mosiria said the matter should be investigated by the relevant authorities if it was established that explicit material had been willingly created and distributed in violation of Kenyan law. He also argued that the government has a duty to shield children from harmful online content.
Those remarks formed the backdrop to Morara’s questioning of why the county official himself maintains a presence on Telegram, a platform that has repeatedly featured in discussions about the circulation of explicit material.
