By Burnett Munthali
A section of Kenyans has strongly condemned the mockery of Raila Odinga Junior’s physical appearance during the funeral of his late father, Raila Odinga Senior.
The incident, which unfolded across TikTok, has sparked outrage among users who described the behavior as cruel, disrespectful, and inhumane, especially at such a sensitive time for the grieving family.
Several users took to various social media platforms to denounce the trend, urging others to report all the offending TikTok accounts involved in mocking Raila Junior.
Reports indicate that over 800 accounts have been circulating offensive content targeting Raila Junior’s physical features, drawing widespread criticism for violating decency and empathy during mourning.
Concerned citizens and activists have reminded users that making fun of someone’s appearance constitutes harassment and bullying, which are strictly prohibited under TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
TikTok’s policies clearly forbid any content that degrades, humiliates, or insults individuals based on their physical attributes, disabilities, or personal conditions.
Many Kenyans expressed disappointment that some individuals could exploit a solemn occasion to spread hate and ridicule rather than show compassion and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Online commentators have emphasized the need for digital responsibility, urging users to use social media as a space for empathy and respect rather than cruelty and mockery.
Others have called upon TikTok’s moderation team to swiftly investigate and remove the harmful content, ensuring that violators face appropriate penalties or account suspensions.
Raila Odinga Junior, who has often been the target of online trolls, has received an outpouring of support from Kenyans who admire his composure and resilience in the face of cyberbullying.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of online harassment in Kenya and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of social media policies to protect individuals from digital abuse.
As the Odinga family continues to mourn their loss, many Kenyans are calling for compassion, decency, and respect — values that should define both online and offline conduct in moments of national grief.
