A social media storm involving Dr Irene Mwende has taken a new turn after the KEBS official reactivated her account and issued a public apology following a heated online clash that sparked strong reactions from Kenyans.
The controversy erupted after an online exchange between Dr Mwende and Esther Wakimani over a slimming tea product went viral, drawing criticism from social media users who accused the KEBS official of online bullying.
The dispute quickly escalated, attracting thousands of reactions and turning into one of the most talked-about online confrontations of the day.
In a lengthy statement shared after returning to Facebook, Dr Mwende admitted that some of her posts may have been harsh and hurtful. She apologized to anyone who may have felt offended and clarified that the comments she made were purely personal opinions.
She also moved to distance her employer, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), from the controversy, saying the institution had nothing to do with the social media drama.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to my employer, KEBS, for any negative attention or misunderstanding that may have arisen as a result of my personal actions,” she said in the statement.
Dr Mwende further issued a direct apology to Esther Wakimani and another individual identified as Terry, saying she was not aware of their personal struggles and regrets how the situation unfolded.
She also acknowledged that personal stress may have influenced how she reacted during the online confrontation.
The incident has now sparked a wider conversation among Kenyans about cyberbullying, the responsibility of professionals on social media, and the pressure public figures face when online disputes escalate.
Dr Mwende concluded her message by promising that she will no longer engage in social media drama and will instead focus on using her platform positively to inspire others and promote education.
