Times Kanze Dena has clapped back at cyberbullies
Former Speaker of Parliament, Kanze Dena, has been a victim of cyberbullying.
In recent days, unverified messages circulating on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram claimed that Kanze was battling nasopharyngeal (throat) cancer, causing widespread concern among Kenyans.
The posts attracted considerable attention, with many people expressing their support and offering prayers for Kanze’s wellbeing.
The source of the posts remains unclear, but Kanze has dismissed them as false information.
Writing on Instagram, the former Citizen TV presenter refuted claims that she was facing a health crisis.
“Life na good oh!. Not exiting this race called life anytime soon. Keeping my eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of my life. I stand and declare God’s word that He will honour me and satisfy me with a long life. No evil shall befall me, nor shall any plague come near my dwelling,” Kanze declared.
“I will live to declare the works of the Lord in the land of the departed. God, I thank you for your word, for it will not go out and return empty. I am confident of this. Every tongue that speaks against me in judgement shall be condemned. This is my inheritance.
I am the apple of God’s eye!”
Kanze added the hashtag “fake news is the enemy of the people”.
Nairobi News made multiple attempts to contact Kanze for comment but received no response despite several phone calls.
In January 2021, Kanze also became a topic of discussion online.
During a press conference after a long absence from the media, the former State House spokesperson became the target of cyberbullies.
At the time, body shamers made derogatory comments about her weight gain.
Kanze chose not to respond directly to her critics.
However, prominent figures in the country condemned the body shamers and urged them to stop their harmful behaviour.
In 2022, Kanze took to her social media platforms to share her experience in Nairobi National Park.
She posted a photo of herself in a carefree moment, enjoying the sunset and told off body shamers:
“Of beautiful sunsets and game drives… couldn’t have it any other way…Of weight monitors and observers rada iko aje? Anywho…hivi nilivyo…ndivyo nilivyo,” Kanze captioned.
Online gender-based violence on the rise in Kenya
Online gender-based violence (OGBV) is increasing globally, encompassing various forms such as abusive messages, false social media posts, cyberflashing, sexual harassment, doxxing, image manipulation, body shaming, and identity exposure.
Perpetrators often remain unidentified, with friends, both male and female, being among the top offenders.
OGBV is used to shame victims for personal or political reasons and as a form of alternative justice due to mistrust in law enforcement.
A 2012 KICTANet report detailed cybercrime against women, which includes stalking, sexual harassment, fraudulent activities, abusive messages, sex trafficking, and identity theft, among others.
Other popular Kenyan celebrities who have been cyberbullied are:
Avril
In April 2015, musician Judith Nyambura Mwangi, popularly known as Avril, faced severe criticism on social media after she shared a photo of herself without makeup, revealing skin blemishes and acne scars on her forehead.
A section of Kenyan social media users went on to label her unattractive, with some going as far as creating memes with derogatory remarks about her acne and pimples.
Janet Mbugua
Media personality Janet Mbugua was attacked on social media during her pregnancy by people who thought she should not be on air with her baby bump.
In 2023, Janet spoke out against the bullying she endured.
Janet Mbugua called for stricter measures against those who engage in online harassment, saying the power to curb trolling lies with the public, citing instances where people’s social media pages have been taken down due to reports of cyberbullying.
Jimmy Gait
In 2017, he was the victim of cyberbullying after he made a cover of the song ‘Hello’ by Adelle.
He said he made the song from a very positive place in his heart and then posted it on YouTube. Early the next morning he woke up to find that the song was trending at number one on Twitter.
In a later interview, Jimmy Gait said that the trolls had a serious effect on him, even leading to depression, loss of confidence and loss of appetite.
“I locked myself in the house for two weeks and couldn’t face anyone because I felt like everyone hated me and knew how low my mood was.”
Is cyberbullying punishable by law?
Cyberbullying is a criminal offence in Kenya, punishable under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.
The offence is punishable by a fine of KSh 20 million or 10 years imprisonment or both.
According to SOMO Group Intelligence, cyberbullying can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for victims, including depression, anxiety and even suicide.
Victims of cyberbullying often suffer from low self-esteem, feel isolated and helpless, and are reluctant to seek help.
Cyberbullying can also affect academic and professional performance, as victims may become distracted or miss school or work due to the stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying.