Several Kenyan public figures — including Gadwilliam Kiragu, Kambua, Evelyn Wanjiru and Caleb Karuga — are facing widespread online backlash after participating in a fully sponsored trip to Israel during heightened tensions in Gaza.
The trip, reportedly organised as a faith-based tour, coincided with a period when global attention remains focused on the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians.
Public reactions intensified after images and videos from the influencers’ tour circulated online, leading to accusations that the celebrities had overlooked the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Critics argued that accepting a sponsored trip at such a moment created the impression of aligning with one side of a politically charged conflict.
Public Reactions to the Trip
One commentor said, “I am sooooooo disappointed… like why, for what?”
Another user questioned the decision, writing, “What happened to reading the room? How can you accept a brand trip to Israel despite what is currently going on?”
The commenter further noted that Christian influencers were being taken “under the guise of visiting the land of Jesus,” prompting discussions about how religious framing can intersect with political realities.
The criticism has expanded into wider conversations about the responsibilities of public figures, especially those with significant followings, when participating in brand-funded activities linked to international entities.
While that debate continues, this is also a crucial lesson for public figures about the kinds of brands they choose to endorse.
This criticism reflects the growing scrutiny facing modern celebrities in an era where social media has amplified both their influence and accountability. It raises an important question: how far is too far when the public expects celebrities to conform to certain moral and ethical standards?
Some other examples of times celebs have faced such backlash over their endorsements are below:
Diana Marua & LimaVest (fake‑land / real‑estate scam)
One notable case involved Diana Marua, who publicly apologised for promoting LimaVest, a real-estate firm later accused of defrauding investors.
Marua admitted she had endorsed the company before verifying critical information, despite having encouraged followers to invest.
The fallout left many investors counting losses and raised questions about the responsibilities influencers carry when marketing financial ventures.
Celebs with betting‑related endorsements — against shifting regulatory/social context
Another example involved a former footballer and other public figures who signed high-value endorsement deals with sports-betting firms such as Betin Kenya.
Over time, regulators flagged the social impact of gambling advertisements, prompting the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to ban celebrity endorsements in the sector.
The move placed pressure on both brands and endorsers, signalling that such partnerships could quickly become controversial as rules evolve.
Regulatory Focus on Alcohol Advertising
In 2025, NACADA’s proposed National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse introduced stricter measures affecting alcohol marketing.
The agency recommended raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and limiting the visibility of alcohol promotions. Proposed restrictions included banning online alcohol sales, limiting declarations and endorsements by celebrities, and regulating advertising near schools or during children’s programmes.
These developments further illustrated how endorsement spaces can shift quickly, exposing influencers to new scrutiny.
BY jane nduta
