This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Body Positivity Debate Erupts in Kenya ¶
Kenyan celebrities Neomi Nganga and Huddah Monroe have sparked a heated debate over body positivity, with Nganga defending plus-size women against Monroe's perceived insults.
On December 4, 2019, Nganga took to social media to counter Monroe's comments, calling her out for what she perceived as body shaming.
Nganga wrote, 'DID I HEAR SOMEONE CALL HER ELEPHANT??? ~ ~ #God knows why we human beings do not have it all. I reckon it’s so we can compliment, complete and appreciate each other.'
Nganga went on to express her disappointment with Monroe's comments, saying, 'You claim to empower youth, are you now going to filter by size? Is this your best shot at serving a solution to a problem you seem to have ‘elephantised’? #EVERYWOMANISAWOMANPERIOD!! SKINNY OR PHAT!'
Nganga's post was met with support from fellow Kenyan celebrities, including Kate Actress, who wrote, 'It so sad, what does it cost you to be kind! When God gives you such a platform you find kinder ways to address issues.'
Monroe responded to the backlash, saying, 'LMFAO! Not someone. HUDDAH. I asked a simple question why is it ok to shame skinny women and glorify phat, FAT and call it curvy. Plump or thick when its FAT! Elephant size, gazelle sizr, lioness size. All are beautiful.'
The debate has sparked a wider conversation about body positivity in Kenya, with many celebrities weighing in on the issue.
