There was social media drama this week following a reported blocking spree by popular Kenyan social media influencer Flaqo, who blocked some individuals from his online network — among them, relatives.
The cyberbacklash began when a woman identifying herself as Flaqo’s aunt came forward and criticized him for not financially supporting his mother while becoming wealthier and more popular. In one now-famous Facebook post, she pointed the finger at Flaqo for having “forgotten where he came from” and not doing enough for the very person who had raised him. Flaqo did not take the criticism well.
Soon after the allegations were published, friends realized that people — including the aunt herself, alias “Nyakwar” online — were no longer liking or commenting on Flaqo’s Facebook posts. Soon after, Nyakwar let everybody know what everybody had long suspected.
“I just got blocked,” she wrote on a Facebook post. “Kumbe huyu kijana alichukulia mambo kwa ubaya. Lakini mimi nilikuwa naongea ukweli tu.”
The drama has drawn a heated argument on social media, with fans torn apart on whether Flaqo was justified to stand up for his peace or if he could have handled the situation between them. While some think that personal issues of family should not be handled on social media, there are others who feel that public figures should have the privilege to set boundaries — even within the family.
Flaqo himself hasn’t said anything directly about the drama so far, but shared a mysterious Instagram story that read: “Sometimes peace is just one block button away.”
And as it continues to play out, everyone waits with bated breath to see if the family makes up — or if the block list is here to stay. In the meantime, social media continues to heat up with hot takes and memes regarding the scandal.
By Nairobi