Kenyan content creator and influencer Lydia Wanjiru has sparked a national conversation on digital ethics with a powerful message condemning cyberbullying, body shaming, and online insensitivity. Through a series of emotional Instagram stories, Wanjiru voiced her frustration over how social media users have normalized mockery — including attacks against children and individuals with health conditions.
“Whole Adults Mocking Children”
In her post, Wanjiru decried the alarming trend of adults targeting children online. “Worse is look-shaming a child,” she wrote. “You find Kenyans literally insulting a child’s face or skin color as if they don’t know that a child’s look changes as they grow. If a child has a small deformity, that’s what they focus on. Yaani, whole adults!”
Her remarks resonated widely, underscoring the moral decay that has crept into digital spaces where engagement and virality often overshadow basic empathy.
Calling Out Cruelty and Hypocrisy
Lydia went on to condemn those who ridicule people with medical or physical conditions, questioning when society lost its sense of compassion. “Where do we draw the line between humanity, trends, and ‘chai’? Even if you hate someone, does mentioning their name for traffic justify mocking their medical condition?” she asked.
The influencer also pointed out the irony of a generation obsessed with creators yet quick to tear them down. “Who is following you while you’re busy following creators? Especially the negative sides!” she wrote, urging fans to focus on self-growth instead of fueling toxic online behavior.
A Call for Digital Responsibility
Wanjiru’s message comes at a time when Kenya is witnessing heightened debate on cyberbullying and online harassment. Studies have linked persistent online abuse to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal — issues that are increasingly affecting both creators and ordinary users.
Her advocacy adds to the growing list of public figures pushing for ethical online conduct. Comedian YY recently voiced support for the Cyberbullying Bill, which seeks to criminalize online defamation, harassment, and malicious digital conduct. Similarly, personalities such as Lilian Ng’ang’a and Amber Ray have urged Kenyans to choose kindness over hate, warning against building fame through negativity.
Promoting Empathy and Humanity Online
“Even if you hate someone, does it justify mocking them?” Wanjiru asked — a question that continues to echo across platforms. Her statement serves as a reminder that behind every profile and post is a human being with emotions and vulnerabilities.
By challenging the culture of cruelty online, Lydia Wanjiru reinforces the urgent need for empathy, digital responsibility, and respectful discourse. Her message stands as a rallying call for Kenyans to restore humanity and compassion in the online community.
