Popular comedian and content creator Terence Creative, Lawrence Macharia has issued a public apology to the Kisii community after facing widespread backlash over a Facebook post that many described as tribal and deeply insensitive.
The controversy has ignited a fierce debate online regarding the boundaries of comedy and cultural commentary in Kenya.
The Controversy Erupts on Social Media
The incident began when Terence posted on Facebook, the statement, “Assume huyo Mkisi amechukua kiti 2027, sasa nipangie hio Cabinet,” which translates to, “Assume that Kisii person has won the 2027 seat, now help me plan the Cabinet.”
Although seemingly intended as political satire, the post drew strong reactions from social media users who accused the comedian of promoting negative stereotypes and reducing political discourse to ethnic identity.
Public Condemnation and Backlash
The criticism was swift and widespread. Among those who publicly condemned the statement was digital influencer Sammy Boy, who stressed that the message showed a lack of respect.
“This is not funny at all,” Sammy Boy wrote in response. “We should avoid using tribes as punchlines.It disrespects entire communities.”
As criticism mounted, the pressure became intense, and Terence acted quickly by deleting the original post to stem the negative reaction.
The Heartfelt Public Apology
Following the deletion, Terence issued a heartfelt apology across his social media pages. He expressed deep regret and clarified that his intention had never been to offend anyone.
His message posted on Facebook, read: “Poleni sana Wakisii wote… naomba msamaha sana. I didn’t mean any harm. Nawapenda sana na nawawaheshimu pamoja na viongozi wenu.”
This apology, translating to a sincere expression of love and respect for the community and its leaders, was met with a spectrum of reactions, with some praising his accountability while others urged public figures to practice greater caution.
Learning from the Incident
Terence Creative is recognized as one of Kenya’s most popular online comedians, known for his relatable skits and social commentary.
This controversy, however, has reignited important conversations about the fine line public figures walk between comedy and cultural sensitivity.
In his closing remarks, Terence confirmed that he had learned a valuable lesson from the incident and committed to using his influential platform more responsibly moving forward.
While he maintains his intention is always to entertain, not to offend, the incident serves as a significant reminder of the power of words in Kenya’s diverse social landscape.
The apology has since helped to calm tensions, with many fans accepting his remorse and encouraging reconciliation
by Eugene okumu
