MAUREEN WARUINGE ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

20 June 2024

• Her insensitive comments arose from a back-and-forth with Kenyans over celebrities' silence on the Finance Bill 2024, and her trip to the US with government officials.

Kate Actress has issued a public apology to Kenyans for what she termed as insensitive comments on her social media.

The comments arose from a back-and-forth with Kenyans over celebrities' silence on the Finance Bill 2024, and her trip to the US with government officials.

Kate insisted that the trip was self-sponsored, while Kenyans believed it was funded by taxpayer money.

In her apology, Kate stated, "I want to sincerely apologize for the insensitive comment I made on my Instagram page.

After much reflection, I realize that it was a reflex response to the false allegations about my recent trip to the US being government-sponsored. I reiterate that it wasn't. However, I do acknowledge that I should have responded in a more respectful way.

I remain committed to using my platform to advocate for all our fundamental rights as people and will continue to voice my support for the betterment of our country."

Kenyans have been calling out celebrities, including Kate, for their lack of involvement in the protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

A day ago, Kate posted her stance on the bill, and in the comments section, she responded harshly to accusations that her US trip was funded by the government. Many reminded her that the anti-Finance Bill protests were tax-related.

Here is a summary of her interactions with netizens that sparked outrage:

onemansquaw: "Si we juzi mlikuwa mnaenjoy pesa zetu??"
- Kate: "..@onemansquaw... hamna hiyo pesa please. 😂"
stan_ngugi: "We reject na mlikuwa Whitehouse naye? Mbona hukusema then on his face?"
- Kate: "@stan_ngugi mpigie umuulize his number is now public #RejectFinanceBill"
cyntaxcindy: "🙌🙌🙌🙌👏👏 finally Cate has spoke, I thought kuenda American na prezzo would make her forget her funs❤️❤️❤️"
- Kate: "I have been talking about it on my stories. Use this chance to speak on the bill. Tuache upuzi!!!"

Additional comments included:

bephineogutu: "Focus guys, Cate is not the enemy #rejectfinancebill2024"
- Kate: "I can be the punching bag today, citizens are angry! As they should! 🇰🇪💔"
snipper_kenya: "Uko wapi sikuoni 😂"
- Kate: "You went to look for me? #RejectFinanceBill"