NAIROBI, Kenya – Newsmax journalist Rob Finnerty has apologised to Kenyans following a backlash over remarks in which he compared the state of some American cities to Nairobi.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, Finnerty acknowledged that he had made a mistake and expressed regret over comments that angered Kenyans.
“I want to offer an apology to the people of Nairobi, Kenya. The passion you have for your city and homeland is amazing.
“We all make mistakes. I misspoke, and I am sorry to anyone I have offended,” the US journalist wrote.
The apology followed remarks he made on October 9, when he linked immigration to what he described as the deterioration of some American cities.
Finnerty Links Immigration To Urban Decline
During the broadcast, Finnerty accused former US President Joe Biden of allowing millions of immigrants into the country, arguing that their arrival had contributed to the decline of some cities.
He claimed that immigrants from Africa, the Middle East and South America had moved to sanctuary cities, which he said were increasingly deteriorating.
“What is happening in the UK and France is happening here already, Joe Biden let in million of people from third world countries, Africa, Middle East and South America.
“We have no idea where these people are from, they move to blue sanctuary cities and the cities start to look like Nairobi than New York,” he said.
His comparison drew criticism from Kenyans, many of whom took to social media to challenge the remarks and demand an apology.
Kenyans Challenge Nairobi Comparison
A section of social media users flooded Newsmax and Finnerty’s social media pages with messages expressing displeasure over the comments.
Some questioned the basis for using Nairobi as a comparison, arguing that the immigrants interviewed during the news segment were not from Kenya.
One social media user criticised the journalist for using the Kenyan capital as a punchline while discussing problems in New York.
“Hey Rob Finnerty, you are a news anchor. This commentary is disappointing. You can always criticize New York’s filth on its own merit without dragging Nairobi into it. Using Nairobi as a punchline is cheap, unprofessional and beneath someone in your position at Newsmax.
“None of your interviewees are from the Kenyan capital. So, what’s the basis for your remarks?” the user posed.
Finnerty’s apology acknowledged that his comments had caused offence, as the controversy drew attention to how international media portray Nairobi and other African cities.
