Today, clout is currency of social media use. Kenyan Millennials and Gen Z have found digital platforms to be a place for relief, justice and sometimes revenge. Families are no longer just dealing with their problems in hushed living rooms; instead, they are battling it out in the court of public opinion. From inheritance disputes to domestic squabbles, the internet has become a weapon- one that can cut both ways. While some hope for support or intervention, the reality is often messier, with unintended consequences that linger far beyond viral trends.
We’ve seen this play out in high-profile family feuds that have gripped Kenyans online. The Jimal Roho Safi-Amira-Amber Ray-Kennedy Rapudo ongoing family feud that exposed how polygamy can’t work in certain households if not done in the right way and every woman knowing their lanes and limits. Then there was DJ Mo and Size 8’s marital scandal, where allegations surfaced online, inviting a mix of judgment, advice and unsolicited opinions- and now, after months of separation, they are remarrying. Even the Bahati family, despite curating a perfect image, has had moments of dirty laundry exposed, showing that no matter how carefully one manages their brand, the internet has a way of magnifying personal battles.
For those airing grievances, social media offers an immediate sense of validation. A flood of comments, likes and retweets can feel like justice being served. In some cases, the exposure forces action- whether it’s financial support, apologies or even legal intervention. Yet, as seen in Frankie Just Gym It’s ongoing public disputes with his exes, opening up private matters to the world rarely brings lasting peace. Instead, it often breeds deeper resentment and personal struggles become permanent digital footprints that can’t be erased.
On the flip side, those targeted in these public disputes face intense scrutiny. A single post can tarnish reputations, strain relationships and affect future opportunities. Employers, potential partners and even children can access these digital records years later, shaping perceptions that may no longer reflect the truth. The court of public opinion rarely offers room for niceties, and in the rush to pick sides, the real story is often lost in the noise.
So, is it ever worth it? There are cases where public exposure leads to necessary change, such as outing abusive family members or exposing financial exploitation. But for everyday disagreements- inheritance spats, parental conflicts or sibling rivalries- airing dirty laundry online often does more harm than good. It turns momentary anger into a permanent record, one that can backfire when emotions cool down.
At the end of the day, Kenyan Millennials and Gen Z need to weigh the cost before hitting “post.” Social media might feel like an instant courtroom but its rulings are unpredictable and unforgiving. In a digital age where everything lives forever (and the internet never forgets!), some battles are best fought offline, away from the prying eyes of strangers who may not have your best interests at heart.
