Stand-up comedian Dem wa FB has experienced both the highs and lows of social media fame. Starting her comedy career while still in college in Bungoma, she never imagined how fast her star would rise. With her growing popularity, however, came the inevitable dark side of online attention—cyberbullying.
Her journey into the limelight has not only brought her fame and a large online following, but also subjected her and her family to harsh online scrutiny. Despite these challenges, she remains steadfast in her mission to support and uplift her family. Reflecting on her move to Nairobi, she shared that it was driven by a desire to change her family’s life for the better and ensure they no longer struggled.
Unfortunately, the bullying hasn’t been limited to just her. Her family has also become targets. Her father, proud of her achievements, often attends her shows when she performs in Kitale, proudly telling everyone, “That’s my daughter.” Still, that pride is often overshadowed by the pain of seeing loved ones being attacked online. Cruel comments have been aimed not only at her, but also at her mother, sister, and father.
What affects her most deeply is the personal nature of these attacks. For her, the pain intensifies when her family is brought into the spotlight unfairly. She recalls the difficult moments from her past and the promises she made as she began her career — that she would do everything in her power to change her family’s life. She dreams of gifting her parents a luxurious life, envisioning her father behind the wheel of a Range Rover and her mother in a Mercedes.
Handling the constant negativity online requires thick skin and strong coping strategies. One of her key methods is to simply ignore the hate. She chooses not to engage with abusive comments, especially from anonymous or fake accounts. While some people might break down or react impulsively to such negativity, she finds strength in detachment. By not giving attention to bullies, she denies them the satisfaction of seeing her hurt.
She admits that the insults come in daily, with critics going as far as mocking her looks and even calling her names like “1 GB” — a jab aimed at her body size. But instead of letting these words tear her down, she laughs them off and carries on. Her philosophy is clear: “If people think I’ll be affected by their negativity, never in history.”
Rather than allowing the online space to dictate how she feels or behaves, she sets clear boundaries. She focuses on her goals, her family, and her craft, refusing to let internet bullies take that away. Her defiance and unshakeable resolve stand as a strong message to anyone going through similar experiences — that strength, purpose, and self-worth can rise above the noise of social media.
