American television host Rob Finnerty has apologised to Kenyans after sparking widespread criticism for comparing Nairobi to American cities he claimed were experiencing negative changes due to immigration.
Finnerty, who hosts a programme on US television network Newsmax, made the controversial remarks during a broadcast on October 9, 2026, while discussing immigration and changing conditions in New York City. He argued that the arrival of immigrants from developing countries had affected the character of some American cities.
During the broadcast, Finnerty claimed that immigration under former US President Joe Biden had contributed to changes in American cities, particularly those governed by Democrats and known for policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
“They move to blue sanctuary cities, and the cities then start to look more like Nairobi than New York City,” Finnerty said, drawing criticism for using Kenya’s capital as a negative comparison in a discussion about immigration. His remarks triggered an uproar among Kenyans on social media, with many questioning why Nairobi had been singled out in a debate about immigration in the United States.
Critics also pointed out that none of the individuals interviewed in the segment identified themselves as being from Kenya, raising questions about the basis of the comparison.
Kenyans responded by sharing photographs and videos showcasing Nairobi’s skyline, modern buildings, commercial centres and transport infrastructure. Others criticised what they described as negative stereotypes about African cities, arguing that Nairobi should not be used as a symbol of urban decline in international political discussions.
Following the backlash, Finnerty issued a public apology on October 13, acknowledging that his comments had offended Kenyans. He praised the passion Kenyans have for their country and admitted that he had made a mistake.“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,” he said in his apology posted on social media.
On October 14, Finnerty also addressed the controversy during his television programme, admitting that comparing Nairobi to New York City in that context was inappropriate. He described Nairobi as a thriving centre for commerce, technology, education and tourism, adding that he understood why his remarks had upset people.
The broadcaster further acknowledged his responsibility as a journalist to communicate thoughtfully and respectfully, asking Kenyans to forgive him for the offence caused by his comments. The incident has renewed discussions about the portrayal of African cities in international media and the use of negative stereotypes in political commentary.
It has also highlighted the growing influence of social media in enabling Kenyans to challenge international narratives about their country and demand accountability from prominent public figures.The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism, accurate reporting and respectful language when discussing different countries and communities.
