This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
Eric Amunga, a medical consultant based in Western Kenya, has lost his Twitter verification badge. As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, 14th July 2021, his Twitter account, which had previously displayed the blue badge, no longer showed the verification.
Amerix, whose real name is Eric Amunga, is a well-known figure on Twitter for his advice on relationship issues and masculinity. He has gained a significant following, particularly through his popular #MasculinitySaturday hashtag.
However, his posts have not been without controversy. Some individuals, including feminists, have taken issue with his views, leading to a backlash against him on social media.
It is unclear why Amerix lost his verification badge, but it is not the first time that Twitter has faced criticism for its handling of verified accounts. In 2018, a verified account belonging to blogger Cyprian Nyakundi was reported after he posted a video condemning prostitution.
Similarly, in 2019, mental health champion Bravin Yuri faced issues with his Twitter account being suspended. Other individuals, including Rein Asamo and Wanjiku Revolt, have also had their accounts suspended in similar circumstances.
These incidents have raised concerns about censorship and the suppression of free speech on social media platforms.
