Diana Marua has come under intense criticism from Kenyans online after posting a message of solidarity following the June 25, 2025, protests. The content creator shared a heartfelt tribute urging Kenyans to stay safe and expressing condolences to the families affected by the police brutality witnessed during the 2024 demonstrations. However, many were unimpressed, accusing her of jumping on the conversation too late and only after the protests had ended.
Diana’s message read like a call for peace and healing. She shared an image of the Kenyan flag and wrote that her heart goes out to those who lost loved ones during last year’s tragic events. She called on fellow Kenyans to remain united and support one another, expressing hope that better days are ahead. Despite the tone of her message, the backlash online was swift and harsh.
Critics pointed out that Diana, along with her husband Bahati, had remained notably silent during the heat of the protests both in 2024 and 2025. In the previous year, when many public figures were taking to the streets or speaking out online, Diana posted a tearful video from a hospital bed, explaining that she was too unwell to participate. This explanation did little to shield her from criticism at the time—and now, even less so.
Online users questioned why she waited until the protests were over to say anything. Some were especially upset, feeling that her post was performative and timed only to maintain her brand. Many accused her of being disconnected from the real struggles Kenyans are facing, especially those from the youth-led Gen Z movement.
The reactions were blunt. Several users said they planned to unfollow her and unsubscribe from her platforms. Others mocked her timing and said her voice didn’t matter anymore because she had failed to take a stand when it was most needed. A few even recalled her appearance at the Bahati Empire launch in 2024, where she and Bahati hosted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—a move that further fueled the public’s belief that the couple is too close to political power to be trusted on matters of protest and justice.
In contrast, several celebrities were praised for standing in solidarity with the demonstrators. Rapper Khaligraph Jones was seen fleeing from teargas during the commemoration march, showing that he was physically present on the frontlines. Comedienne Mammito, who recently became a mother, also joined in calling for an end to police brutality. Their participation highlighted what many consider authentic support, unlike what they see as Diana’s detached sympathy.
This isn’t the first time Diana and Bahati have been criticized for remaining neutral or silent in politically charged moments. Their tendency to stay away from controversy has often left their fan base divided. While some admire their effort to keep things positive and family-oriented, others believe their silence in critical times speaks volumes about where they truly stand.
In the end, Diana’s attempt to show empathy may have backfired, with a section of Kenyans declaring that she’s “not one of us” and accusing her of being absent when her voice could have mattered most.
