Businessman Khalif Kairo has dismissed viral reports circulating online about a man known as Alex, who is often seen living along King’ara Road.
The discussion started after philanthropist Sifa Favour shared claims online suggesting that Alex is a PhD holder who once had a stable life but later ended up on the streets. The post spread quickly, with many people reacting with sympathy and curiosity about his past.
But Kairo has now come out to challenge that version of events. In his response, he said the man is not a PhD holder as claimed on social media. Instead, he described Alex as a former footballer whose life, according to him, took a downturn after long-term use of bhang.
His statement has since shifted the direction of the conversation online. What began as a story of academic achievement and misfortune is now being debated around issues of addiction, lost opportunity, and how quickly people’s lives can change.
Reactions from Kenyans have been divided. Some believe Kairo’s account, while others say the public should be careful about sharing unverified personal details about someone who cannot easily defend himself online.
Many users have also pointed out how fast information spreads on social media, especially when it involves vulnerable people. They argue that such stories should be handled with caution and respect, rather than speculation.
The true background of Alex remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation of either version shared online so far. This has left the public relying mostly on conflicting personal accounts.
As the debate continues, the incident has once again raised questions about truth, storytelling, and responsibility in the age of viral content, where a single post can quickly shape public perception before facts are fully known.