Media personality Andrew Kibe has hit back at critics who ridiculed Kenyan men for their excitement during American streamer IShowSpeed’s recent visit to the country.
The debate erupted after viral videos showed large crowds of young men rushing to catch a glimpse of the popular YouTuber, with some social media users — particularly women — accusing the fans of “simping” and overreacting.
Speaking in a video shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Kibe defended the enthusiasm, arguing that it was driven by admiration for IShowSpeed’s work ethic and global success.
“IShowSpeed is one of the best streamers in the world. That guy is a beast,” Kibe said, noting the discipline and energy required to sustain long, high-intensity livestreams consistently.
Kibe dismissed the criticism as unfair and rooted in double standards, saying men are often shamed for expressing admiration. He accused some critics of projecting personal frustrations onto the situation.
“Some people cannot allow men to enjoy things because of their own issues. That kind of bitterness is unnecessary,” he added.
To put the excitement into perspective, Kibe compared IShowSpeed’s reception to how fans would react if global sports icons visited the country.
“If Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods or Mike Tyson came here, people would still turn up in huge numbers. It’s the same energy,” he said.
IShowSpeed was in Kenya for two days as part of his ongoing African tour, attracting massive crowds and sparking widespread online debate over celebrity culture, fandom and double standards on social media.
