Over the weekend, Wambo Ashley, wife of popular YouTuber Nicholas Kioko, found herself at the center of a social media storm after her salary for the household nannies became the topic of heated debate on TikTok. The controversy erupted after Ashley shared glimpses into her home life, including the salary she pays her nannies, which many Kenyans deemed insufficient for the demanding job.
Ashley, who is known for her active presence on social media, often provides a window into her daily life through her posts and videos. Recently, she revealed that she pays her two nannies KSh 12,000 each. This revelation sparked outrage among some TikTok users, who felt that the amount was too low given the workload involved. Critics on the platform argued that Ashley’s nannies were being overworked and underpaid, prompting a wave of backlash against the influencer and her family.
In response to the mounting criticism, Wambo Ashley took to YouTube on Monday, August 26, to address the allegations directly. In a video posted from her car, where she was accompanied by her husband Kioko, Ashley expressed her frustration with the situation. Both Ashley and Kioko lamented the tendency of Kenyans to spread unverified information and engage in rumor-mongering.
“I see I am trending on TikTok, oh sijui nini, sijui nani, ati I pay my nanny only 12k,” Ashley said, referring to the social media discussion. Her tone was one of disbelief and exasperation as she confronted the criticisms head-on. The mother of two made it clear that she was displeased with how her family’s private matters were being scrutinized and misrepresented.
Ashley’s response was marked by a combination of indignation and defiance. She emphasized that the information circulating on TikTok was inaccurate and that there was no basis for the claims being made about her household. “That is very fake information. They don’t even know about her, they don’t know what happened. But nothing happened,” she asserted. This response was accompanied by a series of likes on supportive comments from her subscribers, indicating her alignment with those who defended her position.
The backlash has not only involved criticism of the nanny’s salary but also questions about the broader implications of such a wage. Some commenters suggested that the figure was reflective of a larger issue regarding fair compensation for domestic workers. They argued that regardless of the specifics of Ashley’s situation, it was indicative of a systemic undervaluing of such roles in Kenyan society.
Despite the uproar, Ashley and Kioko’s video aimed to counteract the negative sentiment and emphasize that the criticisms were unfounded. Kioko, in particular, reassured viewers that the situation was being blown out of proportion and that no wrongdoing had occurred. The couple’s response highlighted their frustration with the ease with which personal details can be twisted and used to fuel online drama.
The controversy surrounding Wambo Ashley’s nanny salary has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment and remuneration of domestic workers in Kenya. While the immediate focus may be on Ashley’s household, the debate touches on important issues of labor rights and fair wages. As social media continues to amplify personal stories and criticisms, the situation underscores the need for responsible discourse and the verification of facts before jumping to conclusions.
In summary, Wambo Ashley’s reaction to the TikTok criticism sheds light on the challenges of managing personal privacy in the age of social media. It also raises important questions about the fair treatment of domestic workers, an issue that merits thoughtful discussion and action.
