Is it because of money? Maina Kageni questions why ladies rank Kenyan men low compared to whites

File image of Radio Personality Maina Kageni

Media personality Maina Kageni has stirred debate after suggesting that Kenyan women appear to favor West African and white men over Kenyan men.

In a post shared on his X account on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Kageni questioned why local men are seemingly ranked lower, wondering whether the preference is driven by money or perception.

“Surely… Kenyan ladies, why do you rank Kenyan men so low? Yaani, Kenyan ladies prefer West Africans and white men? Where did Kenyan men go wrong… or is it because of money? … perception?” he wrote.

His remarks come amid controversy surrounding a Russian national identified as Yaytseslav, whose actions have sparked public outrage and prompted government intervention. Videos circulating online allegedly showed the man approaching Kenyan women in public spaces and secretly recording encounters without their consent.

Authorities and human rights advocates condemned the alleged conduct as a violation of privacy and dignity.

The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has since launched investigations to trace the individual and pursue legal action where necessary.

Many Kenyans criticized the recording and sharing of intimate footage without consent, terming it exploitative and unethical.

However, some social media users also turned their attention to the women featured in the videos, accusing them of being too quick to trust a foreigner. The commentary drew backlash from civil society groups and influencers, who urged the public to focus on issues of consent and privacy rather than blaming the women involved.

The Ministry further cautioned against sharing or circulating the videos, warning that doing so could further harm victims and potentially attract legal consequences.