Elsa Majimbo has stirred intense online debate after advising dark-skinned Kenyan women to leave the country if they can. The internationally known comedian, who first gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for her humorous videos, took to social media with a bold message: “If you’re a dark skin woman in Kenya, get out if you can. They will make you mediocre by force.” Her comment has reignited discussions around colorism, identity, and belonging.
The statement aligns with her history of making provocative remarks about Kenya and her experience as a black woman. Majimbo has often painted a bleak picture of life in her country of birth, describing it as a place where dark-skinned women are subjected to societal pressures that suppress their potential. Many interpreted her recent remarks as a condemnation of the deeply rooted colorism and systemic bias that exist in parts of Kenyan society.
Over the past few years, Majimbo has become known not just for her comedic talent but also for her outspoken views on African traditions and societal expectations. One such topic she has fiercely criticized is the so-called “black tax”—the cultural expectation for successful individuals to support their extended families financially. She has publicly rejected this notion, recalling how she watched her father carry the burden of supporting his relatives and how those same expectations were later placed on her. Her refusal to comply with these demands has drawn both admiration and criticism.
In a particularly controversial comment, she shared an experience involving a relative who repeatedly asked both her father and later her for financial support. Majimbo expressed her frustration, implying that such dependency is unfair and unsustainable, even going as far as calling it laziness. Her blunt delivery struck a nerve, especially among those who viewed her remarks as insensitive to the economic struggles many families face in African societies.
Beyond her critiques of family dynamics, Majimbo has also been vocal about her decision to live outside Kenya. She has described her time in the country as challenging, citing bullying and rejection as major reasons for her discomfort. She has frequently expressed a preference for life abroad, particularly in South Africa, where she feels more accepted and appreciated. Her social media presence even reflects this shift, with her online profiles often displaying symbols that emphasize her new identity and affiliations.
Colorism, a central theme in many of her statements, remains a painful reality in many parts of the world, including Kenya. Majimbo has suggested that lighter-skinned individuals are often treated better and given more opportunities than their darker counterparts. This belief, echoed by many across Africa and the diaspora, adds context to her recent appeal to dark-skinned women to seek better environments elsewhere.
Although her comments continue to spark backlash, they also fuel necessary conversations about internalized racism, societal pressures, and the challenges faced by women of color. For some, her words are a wake-up call; for others, they are divisive and dismissive. Regardless of the opinion one holds, Majimbo has once again succeeded in placing uncomfortable but important issues at the forefront of public discourse.
