Media personality Andrew Kibe has fired back at critics who mocked Kenyan men for their excitement over American streamer IShowSpeed.
The debate erupted after videos of young men rushing to meet the internet star went viral, drawing criticism from some social media personalities, particularly women, who accused men of “simping.”
Speaking in a shared video on his Instagram on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Kibe defended the enthusiasm, saying the attention was rooted in admiration for hard work.
“IShowSpeed is probably one of the best streamers in the world. That guy is a beast,” he said, emphasising the dedication required to maintain long, high-energy streaming sessions.
Respecting hard work
Kibe highlighted Kenya’s long-standing culture of celebrating top performers. He argued that men were not being shallow but were showing respect for someone at the top of their game.
“If Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, or Mike Tyson came here, people would show up. It’s the same energy,” he explained.
He also criticised detractors for failing to recognise the effort behind the content, noting that streaming for hours in different locations is physically and mentally demanding.
Gender debate rages
The media personality did not hold back in addressing the gendered criticism. Kibe described those mocking men as bitter and unfairly policing male enthusiasm.
“Some women cannot allow men to enjoy things because of their own issues. It’s unnecessary,” he said, framing the backlash as part of a broader conversation on online double standards.
IShowSpeed was in Kenya for two days as part of his ongoing African tour, drawing massive crowds wherever he went.
His Nairobi stream was packed with high-energy moments and went on to rank among the biggest of the tour by live views and subscriber growth.
Speed repeatedly praised Kenyan fans, openly saying the country had delivered his best experience so far after visiting eight of the 20 African countries on his itinerary.
During the Kenya streams alone, he gained over 360,000 subscribers, a surge he celebrated live. Widely regarded as one of the world’s biggest YouTubers, the 20-year-old commands a huge Gen Z and Gen Alpha following
