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Several Kenyans who went viral for mocking Raila Odinga Junior have issued emotional apologies following widespread backlash over their insensitive TikTok videos.
The remorseful creators took to the platform to express regret after participating in a “challenge” that ridiculed Raila Junior’s facial appearance—just days after the burial of his father, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County.
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The online trend sparked nationwide condemnation, with many Kenyans rallying behind Raila Junior, who has publicly shared his experience living with acoustic neuroma, a rare non-cancerous tumor affecting the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.
One of the most criticised videos featured TikToker Nelly Wanjiru alongside a young girl. The clip drew outrage, prompting Wanjiru to post a tearful apology video.
“Hey guys, I’m Nelly Wanjiru, the one who did that TikTok video with the child. I want to sincerely apologise to Kenyans, starting with Raila Odinga Junior and his family,” she said, breaking down in tears.
Wanjiru also defended the child’s innocence, insisting she was fully responsible. “Please forgive me. The child had no fault. I had no bad intentions when recording that video,” she added.
Another TikTok user identified as Ismail also apologised, revealing that the video had caused him personal distress.
“I’m sorry for the content I made imitating Raila Odinga Jr. This issue has become serious. Some people even tried to track me down, and I almost got arrested. Please forgive me, and to those still doing this challenge—stop,” he pleaded.
The apologies have drawn mixed reactions online. While some Kenyans commended the two for owning up to their mistakes, others doubted the sincerity of their remorse.
Instagram user Mtwapa Finest commented, “Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is learning from them.”
However, another user, Jamila, criticised Wanjiru’s emotional display, saying, “Parents should be careful not to involve children in such issues. The tears looked forced.”
Blogger Edwin Ragama was more scathing: “How can you mock someone who’s mourning their father? Think about how the Odinga family feels seeing such videos.”
