Open Letter to Team Mafisi and All Kenyan Media: Stop Attacking Avril - #PoleAvril

First of all, let me start by saying, Avril is arguably hands down one of the greatest Kenyan women entertainers of her generation. She is very attractive, resilient and has been able to stay relevant in the Kenya entertainment  industry for a long time despite being put down and criticized by Kenyan media at every and any opportunity they get.

Following the end of her relationship with her long-time boyfriend/Fiancée,  I have noticed Kenyans who have over the years developed a habit of putting  this young lady down, posting comments about how she said Kenyan men are not  Romantic (A statement that a lot of Kenyan women agree with but are inclined  not to tell Kenyan men because, Kenyan men are allergic to  honest-to-God-truth). Most Kenyan men are not romantic and are in love with  them-selves that is why; when they get married they come home and want to be  served food before anyone else regardless of whether the baby has been fed or  not. Their own babies be damned, whether the baby eats or not is not a  concern for Kenyan men.

In addition, a group that calls itself Team Mafisi have been having a  field day welcoming her back in the ‘fold’. For those of you who don’t  know who Team Mafisi are, let me elaborate. These are desperate Kenyan men  have united in their misery, to form a group that advocates and justifies  extreme sexual aggression towards women, their main target being Kenyan  women. The level of aggression by these men can be seen by the way they  speak, how they carry themselves and how the address women. This category of  men is definitely not ‘Husband Material’. They objectify all women and  glorify prostitution. They are the people who will definitely egg on a man  who is inclined to forcibly have sex with a woman basically a rapist ‘dream  team’ of cheerleaders.

Sometime back, the ‘Mademonii’ attacked Avril and posted suggestive  pictures of her in compromising positions with another woman. This led to  claims that she is either Bi-Sexual or a Lesbian. Avril has stated she is not  a Lesbian and neither is she Bi-Sexual. So, everyone calling her a lesbian is  just being corny. (Corny: Trying to be cool, but ultimately very uncool  indeed, and often even extremely embarrassing  (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=corny)).

With that said, I am very disappointed at how Kenya media seem to run all  these negative stories on all the negative things people are saying about  her, without highlighting her positive attributes such as her ‘staying  power’ and the positive impact she has on young women. Avril is loved and  accepted by Kenyans all over Kenya. To take this opportunity to kick her  while she is down is unnecessary, unprovoked and uncalled for.

Kenyan media has over the years shaped the image of a Kenyan woman’s opinion  and voice through the eyes of women who hold extremist views. These women  include Caroline Mutoko and Njoki Chege to name a few. These women represent  very extreme views and misguided idea about women empowerment. Someone like  Avril embodies and reflects a TRUE Kenyan woman, strong, resilient and  fearless. Therefore, CONGRATULATIONS to Kenyan media on your unrelenting attack on Kenyan women.

The end of a relationship is not the end of Life. Avril is young, 27, and she  is beautiful and am sure there very many respectable men around the world who  would not mind having her as a wife. She does not need to be ‘welcomed  back’ by sexual predators, Team mafisi .To her credit she went out and had  a real relationship. At least she tried and she should try again.

To Avril, as you go through the end of this relationship keep your head up.  Stay away from Team Mafisi they are sexual predators. Keep going and don’t  let barking dogs on the internet and Kenyan media bring you down. Stay strong  and unapologetic. Don’t feel pressured to jump into another relationship  just to prove to Kenyans you are not a lesbian (Shauri zao wajisort na maisha  yao kwanza!).You will find another. Regular Kenyans love you and appreciate  your contribution to the entertainment industry. The world needs strong women  like you. And tell Kaka Empire we need an album and world tour  A.S.A.P.hahahaa!

- By a Very Concerned Kenyan Woman