American Newsmax journalist Rob Finnerty has apologized to Kenyans following a backlash over his remarks comparing New York City’s condition to Nairobi.
The incident unfolded during a live discussion on immigration, where Finnerty suggested that U.S. sanctuary cities were deteriorating.
“We have no idea where these people are from, they move to blue sanctuary cities and the cities start to look like Nairobi than New York,” Finnerty said.
He argued that immigration under former US President Joe Biden had brought large numbers of people from developing countries into American cities, which were changing as a result.
He said immigrants from Africa, the Middle East and South America, arguing that they had moved into sanctuary cities.
The comment was immediately backlash from Kenyans online, who criticized the statement as dismissive and insulting toward Nairobi.
He acknowledged that he had made a mistake and expressed regret over comments that sparked outrage among Kenyans on social media.
“I want to offer an apology to the people of Nairobi, Kenya. The passion you have for your city and homeland is amazing…We all make mistakes. I misspoke and I am sorry to anyone I have offended,” Finnerty said.
However, Finnerty’s apology did not satisfy all the Kenyans who responded to his remarks, with several social media users arguing that he should apologize on Newsmax instead on X.
Lynn Ngugi: You’re pathetic, and your apology is just as pathetic. Let’s not pretend you’ve suddenly developed some respect for Kenyans or Africans. You’re apologizing because Kenyans dragged you for your ignorance, and had nobody called you out, you’d have gone about your business without thinking twice about what you said.
Mkenya Mzi: You spew nonsense about Nairobi on a live TV but when apologizing you want to use Twitter/X, we won’t accept this apology.
Arnold Malcolm: Apology should be live on @NEWSMAX.
