NAIROBI, Kenya – The controversy surrounding American journalist Rob Finnerty’s comparison of Nairobi to New York has reignited memories of the 2015 #SomeoneTellCNN campaign, when Kenyans took to social media to challenge what they considered an unfair portrayal of their country by international media.
The latest backlash has continued despite Finnerty’s apology, with some Kenyans insisting that he should address the controversy on television, using the same platform where he made the remarks.
The reference to the 2015 campaign has added a historical dimension to the debate, with social media users arguing that Kenyans have repeatedly pushed back against international coverage they believe relies on negative stereotypes about the country and the wider African continent.
One user directly invoked the earlier controversy while responding to Finnerty, warning him against what they described as “gimmicks” and demanding a public apology from the studio.
“You should have consulted your types like CNN before making those distasteful and racist remarks. We started defending our way of life since 2015,” the user wrote, adding that Finnerty should not repeat the mistake.
The post recalled the day Kenyans rallied under the hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN, turning social media into a platform for challenging how the country was represented to international audiences.
What Happened During The #SomeoneTellCNN Campaign?
In 2015, the hashtag #SomeoneTellCNN gained traction among Kenyans following a CNN report that referred to Kenya as a “hotbed of terror” ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to the country.
The wording sparked widespread criticism, with Kenyans questioning the description and arguing that it presented the country through the narrow lens of terrorism and insecurity.
The online campaign attracted attention as users challenged the broadcaster’s language and called for more balanced reporting about Kenya.
The episode became a prominent example of Kenyans using social media to respond to international coverage they considered misleading or damaging to the country’s image.
More than a decade later, the reference to the campaign has resurfaced as Finnerty faces criticism over his Nairobi-New York comparison.
Why Finnerty’s Remarks Have Drawn Criticism
He claimed that immigrants from Africa, the Middle East and South America had moved into sanctuary cities in the United States, which he argued were deteriorating.
Finnerty then said some of the cities were beginning to look more like Nairobi than New York.
The comparison triggered criticism from Kenyans, many of whom questioned why Nairobi had been introduced into a discussion about American immigration policy.
Some accused the journalist of relying on negative stereotypes about African cities, while others demanded an apology delivered during the same television programme.
Media personality Lynn Ngugi also dismissed Finnerty’s apology as insincere, arguing that he was responding to public pressure rather than reflecting on the assumptions behind his remarks.
The continued reactions suggest that, for some Kenyans, the dispute extends beyond one journalist’s comments. It has become part of a wider discussion about how foreign media portray Nairobi and Africa, and whether apologies made after public backlash adequately address the concerns raised.
As references to #SomeoneTellCNN circulate again, Kenyans are revisiting a familiar question: who gets to define the image of their country, and what happens when international coverage clashes with how its people see themselves?
