MP Millie Odhiambo has spoken out strongly against the wave of online speculation and sensational content surrounding the death of journalist Amimo.In a post shared on Tuesday, December 9, the legislator expressed concern over what she described as a growing lack of empathy in public conversations, especially on social media.
She noted that the death of any individual should prompt sorrow, reflection, or sympathy for grieving family, yet the opposite seems to be happening.
According to Odhiambo, social media has increasingly turned tragedies into opportunities for content creation and personal gain.
She pointed out previous instances where public figures and private citizens alike became subjects of viral content following their deaths.
Drawing parallels, she mentioned how some individuals generated content after the death of “Raila,” and how a woman gained brief online fame following the burial of Beryl.
She said the same pattern is now playing out with Amimo’s death, where people—including some of his friends—are using the tragedy to attract likes and engagement on their posts.Odhiambo lamented that behind trending topics and viral videos are families and close friends quietly mourning their loved ones.
She stressed that many of them would appreciate a simple message of condolence—or even silence—instead of public theatrics.
She added that social media culture has conditioned people to seek attention at any cost, creating an environment where emotional sensitivity is often disregarded.
In her words, platforms “demand blood,” and users feel compelled to comply, even when it comes at the expense of grieving families.
By Kenyans