LILIAN NG’ANG’A DEFENDS INFLUENCERS SPONSORED TRIP TO ISRAEL

Former Machakos First Lady, Lillian Ng’ang’a has responded to the online criticism directed at a group of Kenyan influencers and gospel artists who are currently on a fully sponsored trip to Israel.

The trip, organised under the Israel in Kenya tourism campaign, includes prominent names such as Mwende Macharia, Kambua, Evelyn Wanjiru and her husband Agundabweni Akweyu, Jasmine Mungai, and others. The sponsorship covers all flights, accommodation and meals, with no direct monetary payment involved for the participants.

The excursion has sparked a debate on social media, with many Kenyans expressing their disapproval. Critics argue that promoting Israel as a tourist destination is insensitive given the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, with some accusing the influencers of endorsing the Israeli government’s actions.

Ng’ang’a defined influencers saying visiting Israel for tourism is separate from political alignment. “Does it mean people who went to Israel no longer sympathise with Palestine? I don’t think so,” Ng’ang’a stated. “Israel is a country that many people, me included, I have always wanted to visit. Can the trip just be that? And more so because there’s no monetary value?”

This perspective stands in contrast to the vocal criticism from other quarters of the online community. Social media commentator Joe Muchiri said, “So your favourite Kenyan influencers who have gone to Israel to ‘sanitise’ Israel to their followers are not even being paid… if you are gonna sell your soul at least come back with a new house or sth.

Anyways we are not all the same, not every human being you see online is decent in real life..morals are a higher currency if you ask me.” He concluded by stating that “morals are a higher currency.”