NAIROBI, Kenya, June 26, 2025 – Popular Kenyan content creator Diana Marua has come under fire from Kenyans online after posting a message in remembrance of the June 25 Gen Z protest victims, only after the demonstrations had ended.
Diana Marua Slammed for “Silence When It Mattered”
The backlash began after Diana posted a tribute on Instagram expressing sympathy for the families of those killed during the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 25, 2024. In her post, she shared an image of the Kenyan flag with a heartfelt caption:
“Our hearts go out to the families we lost on a day like this last year. May God give you strength that surpasses your understanding… Dear fellow countrymen and women, this dark cloud above us shall pass. It shall be well.”
However, Kenyans online were quick to call out the influencer for posting after the 2025 Gen Z memorial demonstrations had already ended, accusing her of strategic timing rather than genuine concern.
Longstanding Criticism of Celebrity Neutrality
Diana and her husband, musician Bahati, have previously faced criticism for maintaining a neutral stance on national issues—particularly those touching on governance and police brutality.
During the 2024 demonstrations, Diana posted a video from a hospital bed explaining that illness kept her from participating. Still, fans accused the couple of failing to use their influence to support the youth-led movement.
