In a The Listening Post feature by Al Jazeera, journalist Meenakshi Ravi unpacks the growing influence of Kenya’s online “manosphere,” a network of social media influencers who promote male-centric ideologies. The feature, titled “Kenya’s Exploding ‘Manosphere,'” spotlights the impact of accounts that advocate for traditional masculinity, including prominent voices like Erick Amunga, known widely as @Amerix on X (formerly Twitter).
Amerix and #MasculinitySaturday
Erick Amunga, a reproductive health specialist and self-styled men’s health consultant, has gained substantial traction on X with his weekly #MasculinitySaturday posts. Through this hashtag, Amerix provides guidance on issues ranging from fitness and relationships to mental resilience, positioning himself as a mentor for men facing modern challenges. His advocacy has amassed a large following and sparked dialogues on male identity in Kenya, but it has also generated considerable controversy.
On November 1, 2024, Al Jazeera reached out to Amerix to request his input on the feature. They informed him that some of their interviewees suggested his content promotes misogyny and hate speech. Amerix declined to respond directly. Instead, he took to X to criticize Al Jazeera, writing, “Shame on you Al Jazeera. Let men prosper.” This post further polarized opinions on his role in Kenya’s social media landscape, with supporters defending his stance and critics questioning the impact of his message.
Misogyny and Gender-Based Violence
Al Jazeera’s feature highlights various voices critical of Kenya’s manosphere, particularly for its alleged role in spreading anti-women sentiments. Audrey Mugeni, co-founder of Femicide County Kenya, asserted that Amerix holds X spaces where he spreads messages she describes as misogynistic. According to Mugeni, “He aims to provide guidance to men, but his advice often promotes negative views on gender roles and relationships.”
The report also included perspectives from academic circles. Professor Awino Akech, an expert in Feminist and Security Studies, noted that the dialogues fostered in these online spaces contribute to a culture that positions men’s rights in direct opposition to women’s rights. Al Jazeera’s investigation raised concerns about whether Kenya’s manosphere is fueling a normalization of violence against women, an accusation Amerix’s supporters have vigorously denied.
Other Influencers Under Scrutiny
Amerix is not the only Kenyan influencer in the spotlight. Al Jazeera’s feature pointed to other prominent figures in the country’s manosphere, including X accounts like Omwamba and Mr. Right, which, similar to Amerix, advise men on handling societal pressures. These influencers offer advice on navigating relationships, handling career challenges, and developing mental resilience, though critics argue their messages often cross into anti-women rhetoric.
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Former radio host Andrew Kibe, another controversial figure, was also named in the feature. Known for his bold, unfiltered takes on gender dynamics, Kibe has amassed a significant following across social media platforms. In 2023, his YouTube account which boasted over 400,000 subscribers, was suspended for violating hate speech policies. However, Kibe continues to create content through other channels, including his website, where followers can pay for exclusive content.
Andrew Tate and the Rise of Manosphere Figures
The Al Jazeera report placed Kenya’s manosphere within a larger global context, pointing to U.S.-based influencer Andrew Tate as a catalyst for this movement. Known for his controversial views on masculinity and relationships, Tate has inspired a wave of male influencers worldwide who echo his messaging. The feature mentioned Indian influencer Dev Tyagi and Greek speaker Balou Michalis as additional examples of Tate’s influence abroad, indicating a global trend of online communities promoting similar ideologies.
While supporters argue that influencers like Amerix and Kibe provide men with much-needed guidance and support, critics warn that their messages may be reinforcing harmful stereotypes and fueling gender-based violence.