Wahu Kagwi, a well-known Kenyan artist, recently found herself the target of body shaming on social media.
The comments were made after she posted a picture of herself on Instagram, speaking during a meeting with her fellow Talanta Hela Creative Technical Committee members.
“To anyone who ever been body shamed, remember, what the ‘shamers’ say is not a reflection of you, it’s a reflection of the quality of person they are,” she said.
Wahu said she is aware of the weight added, saying she has added up to 22.5 kilograms.
“For those who know me, I always add weight when pregnant. with Tumiso I added 27kgs,” she said.
“I’m sharing this for us to take note that there is hope for a more positive living environment and also to encourage anyone who’s been a victim of any kind of hate otherwise, laleni fiti.”
However, her first-born daughter, Tumiso Mathenge, quickly came to her defense, pointing out that her mother had recently given birth.
In a post on her Instagram story, Tumiso expressed her shock and disappointment at the comments directed towards her mother.
“I find it sad that it is women who are talking about her body. Honestly, I expected better from us. She just had a baby. You guys need to grow up for real,” she said.
She reminded her followers that her mother had given birth just a few months prior and that it was unfair to body shame her. She also called on women to support each other and refrain from criticizing each other’s appearances.
Wahu herself also addressed the comments, reminding her followers that the comments made by the shamers were a reflection of their character rather than her appearance.
She acknowledged that she had gained weight but attributed it to her pregnancy, emphasizing that she had also gained weight during her first pregnancy with Tumiso.
Wahu was appointed to the committee with other celebrities including Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, Azziad Nasenya, Jimi Gathu, Kate Actress and Akothee.
