Frustrated Mwakideu lashes out at how people use Instagram’s close friends feature
Radio host Alex Mwakideu has sparked conversation online after sharing his thoughts about how Instagram users are misusing the close friends feature on the platform.
According to Mwakideu, the feature, which is marked by a green line on Instagram Stories, should be reserved for content that is unique, private, or exclusive — not everyday activities.
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Speaking on Instagram on Thursday, September 4, 2025, during his remarks, Mwakideu expressed his frustration with fans who add him to their close friends list only to share content that, in his view, is too basic and not worth the exclusive tag.
“Kama umeniweka kwa close friends wako, wacha nione vitu ambavyo havitaonekana kwingine,” Mwakideu said, pointing out that close friends should offer something different from what is visible to the general public.
Incorrect use
Mwakideu continued to explain how the feature works and why he feels people are not using it correctly.
“Katika Instagram, katika Insta Stories, kuna wakati ambapo imekuwa marked na green line, inamaanisha ni ya close friends, siyo ya kila mtu kuona. Kama umeona green, ujue umechaguliwa uone. Close friends only, not for everyone. Usinipeleke huko kunionyesha unapika pancake,” he stated.
The radio host added that when he notices the green line on Instagram Stories, he expects to see content that is different from ordinary updates.
“Nikiona green lines nakimbia pale. Nipee kitu niche. Ama unitoe kwa hiyo close friends yako. Wacha bwana, ukiwa umeniweka kwa close friends, niote vitu ambavyo havipaswi kuonekana na umaa,” he said.
His comments have quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users finding his blunt take humorous and relatable. For some, it was a reminder that the “close friends” feature is meant for special moments and not for the same kind of updates people post publicly.
The remarks have since sparked online debate about how social media users interpret and utilise the feature. While some agreed with Mwakideu, others felt that everyone should be free to post whatever they like, regardless of whether it is exclusive or not.
Mwakideu’s message has, however, highlighted how digital culture continues to evolve and how even small social media features can spark conversations about relevance and the kind of content people want to consume online.
