Media personality Maina Kageni has ignited a heated online debate after questioning why some Kenyan women appear to prefer foreign men over their local counterparts.
“Surely, Kenyan ladies, why do you rank Kenyan men so low? Yaani Kenyan ladies prefer West Africans and White men? Where did Kenyan men go wrong, or is it because of money? …perception?” Kageni questioned.
His sentiments come at a time when public discourse is already charged, following a controversy involving a Russian national identified as Yaytseslav.
The foreigner sparked outrage after videos surfaced online allegedly showing him approaching Kenyan women in public spaces and secretly recording encounters without their consent.
The clips widely shared on social media drew sharp condemnation from leaders and celebrities alike, with many terming the act exploitative and a gross violation of privacy.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai was among the first leaders to call for swift action. Taking it to his X account, Alai said;
“Police should arrest the Russian ASAP. That’s abusive and racist behaviour which shouldn’t be cheered by anyone. The Russian should have been in custody as early as yesterday.”
Comedian Terence Creative also weighed in, defending Kenyan women and condemning the alleged act.
“This man must respect Kenyan women and their privacy ,online DCI tuingie kazi huyu apatikane,we won’t keep quiet as our ladies get disrespected. Privacy is key and must be respected.”
However amid the outrage directed at the foreign natioal, some voices turned their focus inward.
Digital creator Gloria Ntanzola criticised Kenyan women arguing that personal standards play a crucial role.
“Have standards, it’s as simple as that, be inaccessible,” she said, adding, “Having standards is not being a hoe or a gold digger…If you have standards, it protects you from people like that Russian guy.”
The debate has since split opinion online. Some users agreed with Maina, arguing that stereotypes around financial stability and romance have shaped dating trends.
Others pushed back, insisting that respect, security and treatment, not nationality, influence personal choices.
