Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has called out social media users for mocking Raila Odinga Junior, terming the act “horrendous” and “inhumane.” Mwaura’s statement came after several content creators began posting videos imitating Junior’s speech and facial appearance, turning his medical condition into a viral “challenge.”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Mwaura denounced the trend, saying it reflects poorly on the moral values of those involved.
“It’s very wrong to mock someone based on their appearance due to an inherent condition. It’s even horrendous to create a ‘challenge’ to body shame,” Mwaura stated.
“Such behaviour reflects more on your poor character and upbringing in the name of content creation. Let’s be human for once.”
The videos, mostly shared on TikTok, feature creators lip-syncing to Raila Junior’s speeches during the funeral service of his late father, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In these clips, some creators distort their mouths to mimic his facial paralysis, prompting outrage across social media platforms.
Many TikTok users have since condemned the trend, urging others to report and take down such offensive content. Discussions on Facebook and X have also echoed similar sentiments, with users calling for empathy and respect for people living with medical conditions.
Raila Junior suffers from Acoustic Neuroma, also known as Vestibular Schwannoma—a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor that affects the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. This hereditary condition, which he inherited from his mother’s side, has caused paralysis on one side of his face.
In a 2022 interview, Junior clarified that he does not suffer from Bell’s Palsy, as many had speculated.
“I have what is called an Acoustic Schwannoma. It’s a non-cancerous growth at the back of my brain that presses on a ventricle controlling the facial nerves,” he explained.
Mwaura’s statement serves as a powerful reminder that digital content creation should never come at the expense of human dignity.
