Musician Stevo Simple Boy has responded to controversial remarks made by content creator Andrew Kibe, urging critics to refrain from involving his family in personal attacks following comments about his appearance and parenthood.
The controversy arose after Kibe, during an interview on Dr. Ofweneke’s podcast, suggested that people with physical features similar to Stevo’s should not have children and made remarks referencing vasectomy. The comments came shortly after the musician publicly welcomed his first child, triggering widespread criticism across social media.
In his response, Stevo said his physical appearance is part of how God created him and should not be used as a measure of his worth or ability to raise a family. While acknowledging that public figures often face criticism, he appealed to Kibe to direct any personal attacks at him rather than his child.
“If you have an issue with me, address me directly, but leave my child out of it,” Stevo said, adding that remarks involving his family were deeply hurtful. The singer maintained a measured tone throughout his response, saying he would not respond to criticism with insults or personal attacks. Instead, he emphasised the importance of respect, hard work and allowing individuals to be judged by their character rather than their physical appearance.
The remarks by Kibe quickly generated widespread reaction online, with many Kenyans describing them as insensitive and inappropriate, particularly because they were made shortly after Stevo became a father. Social media users, public figures and content creators criticised the comments, arguing that public discussions should avoid targeting individuals or their families based on physical appearance or perceived genetic traits.
The incident also prompted a response from Dr. Ofweneke, on whose platform the interview was conducted. The media personality said he had personally contacted Stevo to apologise and later issued a public apology, stating that he did not support the comments made during the interview. He expressed regret that the discussion had caused distress to the musician and his family.
Although the interview has continued to generate debate online, much of the public conversation has centred on the responsibilities of content creators when discussing sensitive topics and the limits of public commentary involving private individuals and their families.
Stevo Simple Boy, whose real name is Stephen Otieno, rose to prominence through his socially conscious music and has built a public image centred on humility and resilience. His response to the controversy has been widely noted for its restrained tone, with many commentators commending his decision to avoid escalating the dispute despite the criticism directed at him.
The episode has also renewed broader discussions about responsible online discourse, particularly the impact of public statements that target an individual’s appearance or family members. While criticism of public figures remains common in digital spaces, the backlash to Kibe’s remarks reflects growing public concern over the boundaries of commentary involving children and personal characteristics.
Neither Stevo nor Dr. Ofweneke has indicated that any further action will be taken following the exchange. However, the incident continues to attract attention on social media, where debate over the remarks and the responses they prompted remains ongoing.
