According to her latest public remarks, internationally recognised Kenyan comedian and content creator Elsa Majimbo has spoken about the emotional impact of years of online criticism, while acknowledging that her attitude towards success and wealth has changed as she has grown older.
The comedian revealed that she continues to receive hurtful comments from people on social media, including remarks about her appearance, fashion choices and even speculation about her health.
Majimbo questioned why individuals who barely know her feel entitled to make personal attacks against her. She explained that the constant criticism and public attention have sometimes left her feeling lonely and overwhelmed.
Her latest comments have also brought renewed attention to several controversial statements she made in previous years, particularly those involving financial success, family responsibilities and attitudes towards people with limited resources.
One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred in August 2024, when Majimbo expressed her disagreement with the expectation that financially successful individuals should support their extended families.
She explained that she had watched her father carry such responsibilities and did not want to follow the same path. Her comments about parents struggling to feed their children finding employment also attracted criticism, with some people accusing her of overlooking the difficulties associated with poverty.
Others, however, defended her position, arguing that successful individuals should have the freedom to determine how they spend their money. The BBC also covered the wider debate surrounding the practice commonly described as black tax.
In November 2023, Majimbo addressed accusations that fame had changed her personality, making the statement: “I was never humble. I was a victim of my circumstances.”
During the same period, she responded to social media users who frequently used the phrase “If I had Elsa Majimbo money” with the remark: “You don’t, though. That’s the gag.”
The responses generated mixed reactions, with some finding her comments entertaining while others interpreted them as expressions of arrogance.
Her relationship with Kenya also attracted attention in September 2022 when she told Forbes about experiencing bullying and colourist remarks in her home country.
She stated: “When the whole world was cheering me on, Kenya was praying for my downfall.”
In her latest remarks, Majimbo indicated that her perspective has changed, explaining that she has become more compassionate with age. She also disputed claims that she deliberately called people poor, insisting that hurting others was never her intention.