Why Jamaican singer Cecile is blocking Kenyans on Facebook

Celebrated Jamaican dancehall songstress, Cecile, has sparked off a “social media war” with Kenyans after she blasted ‘a few Kenyan youth for supporting violence against women’.

The fuss began when the singer posed a question on her Facebook page Tuesday, November 10, seeking to find reasons why men beat women in relationships.

She wrote: “Domestic violence…Tell me why you think men beat on women… And please don’t tell me it’s to exact revenge for anything like cheating because people are not property.”

A wide array of responses from fans across the globe filled her timeline; with many throwing their weight behind the opinion that it is wrong to batter women regardless the cause of misunderstanding.

Beatrice Njeri responded: “Any man who beats up a woman is a coward, am a victim of domestic violence and my advice to women is never stay with a man who lays a finger on you.”

Nicola Wilson cited: “Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insecurity, or maybe that’s what they were taught or saw growing up as child, most of the time an abusive man comes from an abusive home…”

However, a small quota was of the contrary school of thought – that women provoke men to beat them, hence the mauling is justified.

One Ephy Muriuki wrote: “I am not advocating domestic violence but who feels it knows it.”

Another going by the fictitious name, Mbilikimo Mkora, noted: “Sometimes they push men into it.  Nobody wants to fight the one he treasures. Men have to control women for they are the heads of the houses.”

Karani Kmkm Gunner Ramsey said: “The reason some men beat up women is the same reason some men pick up fights with other men. It’s just a complex of sorts. Like depression or something.”

With an unexpected pattern of feedback taking form on her timeline, Cecile got upset and decided to stamp her authority.

“I realise not everyone needs to stay on your page because they happen to hit the like button… As me see a red flag me a press Block (when I see an unpleasant response – red flag – I block you)… Any man I so happen to see posting anything even remotely sounding like they think women should be beaten or roughed up under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE he’ll get BLOCKED,” she asserted.

After she put forward her firm decision, the immediate response wasn’t ‘pleasing’.

“I think your conclusion is bias; because some women do things to men (not violence) that are unthinkable, and they use the law to hide behind their selfish behavior,” wrote one social media user.

Another going by the name Tinotenda Musara posted: “Look who is trying to do a damage control… OMG! It’s Ce’cile again.”

Tinotenda’s reply seemingly irritated Cecile who immediately fired back: “Clearly this n**** beats women. I don’t know why he got something negative to say about the domestic violence posts… Red flag!”

Tinotenda did not take Cecile’s comment lying down, he retorted: “You are becoming too emotional Ce’cile, emotional is dangerous.”

When the controversial topic became a subject of bitter exchange of words, the 39-year-old singer thought Tinotenda and the ‘likes’ have Kenyan roots.

She posted: “I am very very sad to see a few misled Kenyan youths being in the affirmative stance that women must be beaten… I have blocked the ones that commented this way. I will not tolerate this disgusting sentiment. You have no right to beat a woman ever. And ladies it is NOT A SIGN OF LOVE. Don’t ever come to me with that s*** … I will block you too… STANDUP.”

It is Cecile’s former comment which attracted a flurry of rejoinders from Kenyans who decided to defend the reputation of their nation.

Zagaughn Adam laughed her off: “Hahaha you see, cute you Cecil why are your eyes on Kenya only? People fight everywhere. Sometimes it’s a sign of love. Then block me!”

Neto Ado Ibrahim noted: “Kenyan men are known to be romantic and very humble. I think whoever you came across is an alien disguising himself to be a Kenyan.”

Britney Wambui said: “I love my country Kenya…. I’m happily married to the love of my life for 6 years now… Whenever we have an argument, he just hugs me so tight and lets it go…. So, Cecile, I’m your greatest fan but seriously you didn’t have to generalise… We are all different.”

Mombasa-based fan Ben Mwanjulu saw Kenyans’ comments were spamming Cecile’s timeline, and so wondered why she hadn’t blocked all the proponents of ‘negative energy’.

He posted: “I thought Kenyans are blocked from this page. You can’t get emotional because one tends not to agree with what you say. Come on! In Kenya we have freedom of speech.”

However, not every Kenyan found Cecile’s post offensive.

Robi Mwangi echoed the singer’s thought (there shouldn’t be violence orchestrated against women), saying: “I’m a Kenyan and honestly beating a woman is a cowardly act. The man who beats any woman shouldn’t even in the first place be considered a man. He is a loser and a disgrace. I love this strong innovation you have, Cecile.”

Sekaah Jones confirmed Cecile’s sentiment: “I am a Kenyan too and that’s what has been happening here in Kenya in the name of love.”

One Tobias Odhiambo chose to use Cecile’s platform to highlight plight of the boy child too.

He said: “Cecile! I am from Kenya. Equality is what we need. This goes out to both men and women. I am not taking sides here. I am crying out for equality to be exercised to both men and women. They are all victims of these types of violence. Someone is standing for women but none is standing for men when such violence occurs.”