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Influencer feuds that dominated Kenya’s digital space in 2025

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Influencer feuds that dominated Kenya’s digital space in 2025

Kenya’s influencer ecosystem in 2025 was shaped as much by online rivalries as it was by brand endorsements and viral content. Throughout the year, several high-profile disputes between prominent digital personalities unfolded openly on social media, with timelines, screenshots and counter-statements fuelling sustained public debate.

Unlike fleeting online spats, these feuds stretched over days and weeks, drawing in fans, critics and fellow influencers. In many cases, what began as subtle online behaviour, an unfollow, a comment, or a live video, escalated into full-blown public confrontations that exposed deeper tensions within the influencer industry.

Below are five influencer feuds that consistently kept Kenyan audiences talking in 2025, with details on how, when and why they unfolded.

Anerlisa Muigai vs Vera Sidika

The feud between entrepreneur Anerlisa Muigai and socialite Vera Sidika erupted in mid-January 2025 after Vera publicly questioned Anerlisa’s repeated follow-and-unfollow activity on Instagram.

Vera addressed the issue through Instagram stories, suggesting the behaviour was intentional and intrusive.

She went further to imply that the actions were a calculated attempt to monitor her personal life and content. Screenshots circulated widely, with fans closely tracking both women’s social media movements.

Businesswoman Anerlisa Muigai PHOTO/@anerlisa/Instagram
Businesswoman Anerlisa Muigai PHOTO/@anerlisa/Instagram

Anerlisa responded days later, stating that the follow was accidental and occurred while her phone was being handled by someone else. The explanation failed to settle the matter, and by late January, Anerlisa had blocked Vera, reigniting the conversation.

The feud remained active into early February 2025, with both camps engaging in indirect commentary. While neither party issued a formal reconciliation statement, the incident highlighted how minor online actions can rapidly escalate into public disputes among high-profile influencers.

Andrew Kibe vs Oga Obinna

A long-simmering rivalry between Andrew Kibe and Oga Obinna came to a head in March 2025 following a series of reaction videos and podcast snippets shared online.

Kibe criticised Obinna’s media appearances, questioning his authenticity and accusing him of aligning himself with mainstream platforms for relevance. Obinna responded by dismissing Kibe’s commentary as toxic and outdated, challenging his influence and reach.

Media personality Oga Obinna
Media personality Oga Obinna. PHOTO/@ogaobinna/Instagram

Throughout late March and early April, the feud played out across YouTube, Instagram and X, with both men addressing each other directly. Fans framed the dispute as a broader ideological battle about masculinity, morality and responsibility in digital content creation.

The exchanges gradually subsided by mid-April, though both continued to reference the feud in later content, ensuring it remained part of ongoing public discourse.

Mulamwah vs Ruth K

The separation between comedian Mulamwah and content creator Ruth K turned into a highly publicised feud beginning in May 2025.

What started as subtle hints of relationship trouble escalated after both parties shared emotional posts and indirect accusations on social media.

Claims relating to financial disagreements, respect and emotional support dominated the narrative, with fans analysing timelines and past content for clues.

Mulamwah and Ruth K during good times. PHOTO/@atruthk/Instagram
Mulamwah and Ruth K during good times. PHOTO/@atruthk/Instagram

By early June 2025, both Mulamwah and Ruth K had openly addressed the breakup, offering conflicting versions of events. The feud drew widespread attention due to the couple’s previously public relationship and collaborative content.

Although the dispute eventually quietened, it remained one of the most talked-about influencer fallouts of the year.

Eve Mungai vs Fellow Influencers

In mid-July 2025, lifestyle YouTuber Eve Mungai clashed with fellow influencers after criticism emerged regarding her content, lifestyle and perceived attitude.

Eve responded strongly through her platforms, accusing unnamed creators of jealousy and disingenuous commentary.

Youtuber Eve Mungai. PHOTO/@mungai_eve/Instagram
Youtuber Eve Mungai. PHOTO/@mungai_eve/Instagram

Several influencers replied publicly, arguing that her response dismissed legitimate critique and reflected deeper issues within the influencer economy.

The exchanges continued into August, exposing tensions around success, authenticity and competition in Kenya’s digital space. While no single confrontation defined the feud, the sustained back-and-forth kept the story alive for weeks.

Author

Steve Ireri

Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]

View all posts by Steve Ireri

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