Comedian and digital content creator YY has sparked debate online after questioning why Kenyans frequently criticise Nairobi but react angrily when foreigners make similar remarks about the capital.

YY weighed in on the controversy surrounding American journalist Rob Finnerty, who faced backlash after comparing New York City to Nairobi during a discussion about immigration and the changing character of American cities.

In a video circulating online, YY said Finnerty’s remarks had made him appreciate Nairobi’s beauty, arguing that Kenyans themselves often compare the capital to major international cities.

“The American journalist has just given me a realisation that kumbe Nairobi iko sawa. Kumbe Nairobi is a beautiful city,” he said.

YY questioned why Kenyans would compare Nairobi to New York City and then take offence when a foreigner made a similar comparison.

“In fact, mmesema Nairobi iko level moja na New York City. Ni nyinyi mmesema, siyo mimi. Ni nyinyi mmesema,” he added.

The comedian’s remarks reignited debate, with some netizens arguing that although Kenyans may criticise Nairobi, foreigners should not be allowed to weigh in on local issues in the same way.

“It’s a family matter, no outsider should get involved,” @Al lexis wrote.

Others questioned YY’s stance on patriotism, wondering why he would make such remarks about the city he calls home.

“Does he understand what is patriotism?” @Mat Githaiga questioned.

Another section of netizens challenged Finnerty’s decision to compare Nairobi with New York, arguing that the issue was not necessarily which city was more developed but whether the comparison was justified.

“Simple, who gave him the permission to compare?” @Queen Nanjala wrote.

The arguments come days after Finnerty made the remarks during a Newsmax broadcast, claiming that immigration was changing the character of American cities and that some were beginning to look more like Nairobi than New York.

The comments angered many Kenyans, who questioned why their capital had been singled out in a discussion about immigration in the United States. 

Some also pointed out that none of the immigrants featured in the segment had identified themselves as being from Kenya.

Finnerty subsequently apologised to Kenyans on October 13, saying he had misspoken and expressing regret to those he had offended.

He later issued an on-air apology, further fuelling the controversy.