Introduction
During the monitoring period between February 3–7, 2025, the online team examined trending topics on X, Facebook and TikTok.
During the week, USAID stirred huge conversations online after President Trump’s DOGE team flagged the agency for gross violations and misuse of funds. Kenya’s premier airline, Kenya Airways trended alongside Nigeria after a fiasco at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport between a KQ official and a Nigerian traveller. Former Deputy President Rigathi continued throwing jabs at his former boss. Finally, President Ruto’s decree abolishing vetting of ID applicants in Northeastern generated debate.
- End of USAID
Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025, authorising a “90-day pause in United States foreign development assistance for assessment of programmatic efficiencies and consistency with United States foreign policy,” the hashtag #USAID stirred massive conversations across X, Facebook, and TikTok. The decades-old foreign aid agency, known for funding many projects across the world and distributing relief, was flagged by President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team after a money trail uncovering alleged waste and abuse over many years.
On TikTok, the USAID conversation trended for more than two days, with netizens especially noting the adverse impacts on the health and emergency response sectors. The topic prompted a discussion on Kenya’s flagship talk show Spice FM, where host Yolanda Mulwa reacted to the news “All USAID staff to be placed on leave globally starting 7th February.” The video accrued more than 63.4K engagements with over 11K discussions. TikTok also saw contrarian opinions with some supporting the directive, noting the foreign aid benefitted mostly the political class. Sentiments by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr also made rounds on TikTok after the Governor termed the fund’s withdrawal a national crisis, noting that 269 workers in Makueni were set to lose their jobs. The USAID discussion on TikTok garnered a 289K reach and over 11K engagements.
On Facebook, the hashtag drew over 3.5 million reactions. On Kenya’s flagship stations NTV and Citizen TV, posts concerning all USAID workers being placed on administrative leave starting February 7, drew over 3K reactions.
On X, the hashtag cumulatively drew over 43 million tweets throughout the monitoring period.
Impact on media
Trump’s directive triggered one of the most intense online debates in recent weeks, particularly on X and Facebook, where opinions sharply divided between criticism of USAID’s spending and concerns over the withdrawal’s local impact. TikTok emerged as a crucial space for framing the Kenyan perspective, especially with viral reactions from political leaders and media personalities. Traditional media platforms played a pivotal role in legitimizing and amplifying concerns, with coverage focusing on the economic and humanitarian repercussions of the funding suspension, and online, the flagged cases of alleged financial mismanagement gained traction, shaping narratives that questioned the efficiency and priorities of foreign aid. The hashtag USAID noted over the various social media platforms showed how foreign policy decisions could rapidly influence global discussions, particularly when tied to critical sectors such as health and humanitarian aid.
- Nigerian fights KQ
On February 4, the hashtag #KenyaAirways accompanied by #Nigerians trended on X following a viral video of a heated altercation between a Kenya Airways agent and a passenger at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Nigerian passenger travelling from Lagos to Europe with a layover in Nairobi was denied boarding for her connecting flight to Paris after it was discovered that she lacked a Schengen visa, a mandatory requirement for entry into any European Union country. In response, Kenya Airways through its official X page, clarified that the viral clip did not provide the full context of the event, detailing that following the lack of required documents, the passenger resorted to inappropriate behaviour, throwing three used sanitary pads at staff members.
The controversy drew a sort of supremacy contest online, with netizens from other African countries chiming in, after Nigerians online criticized Kenya Airways citing constant mistreatment. The #Nigerians trended on X for 24 hours, amassing 956K tweets, while #KenyaAirways trended for 22 hours, garnering 138K tweets.
Impact on media
X drove discussions surrounding the altercation at JKIA. The Nigerian online community reacted strongly, with many accusing Kenya Airways of discrimination and unfair treatment of Nigerian passengers. Others, however, countered these claims, citing the airline’s statement and reinforcing the necessity of adhering to travel requirements. Media coverage in Kenya and Nigeria took different angles, with Kenyan outlets focusing on aviation rules and airline protocols, while Nigerian media emphasised the alleged mistreatment narrative. The event reinforced the growing influence of social media in setting mainstream news agendas, where platforms like X act as real-time sources for journalists covering trending global issues.
- Ruto vs Gachagua
On February 5, netizens on TikTok spotlighted the ongoing verbal fight between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking to Western vernacular radio stations in Karen, Nairobi, on February 4, the former DP severely criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration and President William Ruto, claiming the President offered him Sh2 billion to resign. MPs were allegedly given Sh500, 000 while some senators received as much as Sh10 million to remove him from office. Gachagua called on the Western region to present a united front and be wary of being duped by the President. Additionally, he hinted at being on the ballot come 2027.
Netizens on TikTok wondered when the country’s priorities would shift from politics to delivering for Kenyans. The hashtag garnered more than 13K reach, seeing more than 600 reactions.
Impact on media
On TikTok, discussions surrounding Gachagua’s claims of bribery and his 2027 political ambitions saw massive traction. Netizens expressed frustration with Kenya’s political climate, questioning when the focus would shift from power struggles to governance and service delivery. Kenyan news outlets extensively covered Gachagua’s Karen interview, particularly his claims of bribery and political betrayal, with legacy outlets analysing the potential impact of his statements on national politics. Political analysts appearing on TV talk shows and radio segments discussed the possible reshaping of political alliances. The event highlighted the growing role of digital platforms in shaping political discussions.
- Vetting for IDs scrapped
President William Ruto ended extra vetting of applicants for IDs in Northeastern counties. The President signed the decree at the Orahey grounds in Wajir town during his four-day development tour. Netizens, however, expressed contrarian views on the decision, with some seeing it to a political move to ensure the President retained his seat in 2027, while others were concerned about the security repercussions that may result from the decree. On Facebook, the discussion coincided with the abduction of the five chiefs from Mandera on February 3 by Al Shabaab.
Impact on media
President Ruto’s decree generated significant media engagement, particularly on X and Facebook, where discussions reflected both support and concern over the decision. Supporters hailed the decree as a historic step in eliminating discrimination against residents of Northeastern Kenya, who have long faced bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining identification documents. Others, however, viewed the move as a clever political gimmick to secure votes in 2027, rather than a genuine policy shift.
Conclusion
Key discussions included USAID’s suspension of funding following scrutiny by President Trump’s administration, Kenya Airways controversy involving a Nigerian passenger, the ongoing political rift between President Ruto and former Deputy President Gachagua, and President Ruto’s decree abolishing extra vetting for IDs in border counties. Each event received a mix of support and condemnation on X, Facebook, and TikTok, with mainstream media magnifying discussions about government, security, and Kenya’s politics.
