Celebrated media personality Willis Raburu has shed light on how he navigates the pressure and negativity that come with fame, saying he has learnt not to take online criticism personally.
In an interview with content creator Chris The Bass, the former Citizen TV presenter admitted that social media has both uplifted and challenged him. With a huge following across platforms, Raburu has often found himself on the receiving end of harsh comments — something he now takes in stride.
According to him, being in the public eye means constantly being judged, and learning to manage that scrutiny is part of personal growth. “Sometimes people online are just having a rough day and are looking for an outlet,” he said, adding that not every negative comment deserves attention. “You can’t control what people say about you, but you can control how you respond.”
Raburu explained that he has mastered the art of emotional detachment when faced with trolling. Early in his career, negative remarks would affect his confidence, but he has since realized that engaging only worsens the situation. “If you keep trying to prove yourself to everyone, you’ll lose yourself in the process,” he noted.
Instead of arguing with critics, Raburu focuses on his career goals and creative projects. He said his biggest lesson has been learning to protect his peace by staying away from unnecessary online drama. “When I see a hateful comment, I simply walk away. It’s probably already a bad day for that person,” he said with a laugh.
The media personality also credited his support system — family and close friends — for helping him stay grounded amid the noise. He described them as his “reality check,” saying they constantly remind him of who he truly is beyond the spotlight.
Raburu added that maturity has helped him realize that self-worth cannot be defined by public opinion. “When you focus on growth and perfecting your skills, you stop being affected by what others think,” he said.
Through his calm and reflective approach, Raburu continues to inspire many public figures struggling to cope with online hate — proving that silence, focus, and inner peace are sometimes the loudest responses.
By Kenyans