27 June 2024

• Many have expressed their displeasure with the company over the partial internet downtime witnessed on Tuesday.

A list of high-profile influencers have come out to announce they'd no longer be working with telecommunications giant, Safaricom.

Many have expressed their displeasure with the company over the partial internet downtime witnessed on Tuesday.

Social media users accused the company of switching off its network, throwing citizens into a complete state of darkness and confusion.

This occurred an hour after protestors were able to overpower anti-riot police and breach parliament.

Following the accusation, the company came out to defend itself on Wednesday morning, noting the blackout was due to undersea cables disruption and intended.

"This network outage was occasioned or caused by reduced bandwidth on some of the internet and some of the cables that carry internet traffic. Please note that this did not only affect Safaricom but also affected the whole world industry," its CEO Peter Ndegwa said.

Following the uproar, a series of celebrities have come out to announce they'd no longer be working with the telecom.

Below is a list;

1) Muchiri Mike

The award-winning TikTok star and gospel artist who's been influencing for the company through hilarious skits shared an official post that in part read, "I've been an influencer for Safaricom PLC for the longest time. I'm cutting ties with them as I cannot in good conscience continue to associate myself with a brand that has turned its back on people..."

2) Kate 'Actress' Kamau

The mother of 2 through her Instagram stories announced that she'd no longer have anything to do with the company since she felt their silence had been triggering. "PSA: Silence is Betrayal! I will no longer be working with Safaricom PLC as an influencer, not on our departed brother blood!" The veteran thespian wrote.

3) Dennis Ombachi

Former Kenya 7's rugby Olympian turned culinary master Omabachi aka Roaming Chef made his stand known on X as he also announced he'd be taking a break from content creation.

"Twitter is finally back @Larry Madowo, the North will Remember. As for the green army on Waiyaki Way, I won't be working with you as your values and mine are not aligned," the father of 2 wrote.

4) Ben Cyco

Ben who is a celebrated podcast host, content creator, and gospel artist announced that he would be pulling his music catalogue from all Safaricom platforms immediately.

"I'm pulling all my music from Skiza Tunes and platform by Safaricom. It is time to part ways with sympathizers. End of an era," Ben wrote across all his social platforms.

5) The Magunga

The Twitter bigwig who has been affiliated with the company for a long time highlighted it had been a difficult decision for him but seeing the Roaming Chef's post reaffirmed him and his decision.

"I have to admit that my decision- while it is something I held in my heart since jana- was emboldened by Ombachi today morning. It's a tough decision since I've been loyal to Safaricom for over 10 years and we've worked together all along.

But after what you guys did yesterday, I'm ashamed to be associated with you. You guys can keep your jobs,"

6) Kimanzi

The X bigwig joined the bandwagon of people cutting ties with the telecom by writing;

"I'm a Kenya first before anything, this is the passion that fuels me. Safaricom sided with the oppressors... No bag is bigger than human life. I cannot work with them anymore,"

7) Shoba Gatimu

The food influencer and TV show host wrote, "I've worked with Safaricom as an influencer for many years. That ends today, I refuse to work with a company that throws us to wolves... I will not work with betrayers,"