Kenyans have taken to social media to question a recent fully funded trip to Israel by a group of local influencers and gospel artistes. The trip, which covered flights, accommodation, and meals, required the creators to document and share their experiences.

As posts and videos from Jerusalem, the Old City, and other historic sites circulated, many netizens raised concerns about the timing and message behind the trip. The visit came amid the ongoing Israel–Gaza conflict, a period marked by widely shared images of suffering and destruction. To some, the influencers’ joyful posts seemed disconnected from the harsh realities on the ground.

Kenyans criticised the celebrities for accepting a fully sponsored trip during such a sensitive period, arguing that the posts made it appear as though they were helping a powerful state improve its global image.

While the trip allowed the celebrities to explore historical and spiritual sites, Kenyans online have argued that sharing sponsored, joyful content during an ongoing conflict appeared tone-deaf.

Some of the influencers facing backlash include Kambua, Kestin Mbogo, Caleb Karuga, Mwende Macharia, Gadwilliam Kiragu, Mimo Karanja, Sim Simmer, and Evelyne Wanjiru.

Read Also: Elodie Zone Calls Out Influencers Who Went On A Trip To Israel

Gospel artist and media personality Kambua shared her experiences from Jerusalem on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, calling it life-changing. She visited Golgotha, the Tomb of Jesus, and the Old City, describing the trip as bringing the Bible to life. Her heartfelt posts, however, drew mixed reactions from Kenyans online.

“I got the most amazing opportunity to visit Israel with some of my great friends and servants of God. Mum was so excited for me as she knew the desire I had to walk exactly where Jesus walked! I enjoyed every single moment as the Bible that I oh so love, came very much alive to me. Day one was simply amazing. We got to visit the beautiful Old city of Jerusalem, Golgotha, the stone where they prepared Jesus’s body before burying Him, and the Tomb where they buried Jesus… I’m so so grateful to Jesus for salvation, He endured too much for me,” Kambua wrote.

Evelyn Wanjiru highlighted her visit to Kibbutz Kalia in Israel’s desert region, touring dairy farms, date plantations, and crop fields. She praised the blend of innovation and resilience, calling it a unique and inspiring experience.

“We had an incredible time exploring Kibbutz Kalia in Israel, in the desert region of the Dead Sea — from the expansive dairy farm to the lush date plantations and thriving crop fields. What a beautiful blend of innovation, resilience, and life flourishing in the desert!” Wanjiru shared.

Fast-rising comedian Gadwilliam Kiragu described his time in the Holy City as unforgettable, saying it was a journey he would carry with him forever.

“A journey through the Holy City… something I’ll carry with me forever,” Kiragu wrote.

Radio Jambo presenter Mwende Macharia met Chen Malka, a survivor of the 2023 Nova Festival terrorist attack in Israel that claimed 400 lives. Macharia encouraged her followers to listen to Malka’s story, highlighting the courage and resilience of those affected by tragedy.

“It was great meeting Chen Malka, a survivor from the Nova Festival that happened October 7th, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel where 400 party-goers lost their lives. She remains resilient and confident even as she shares this heartbreaking story of her life. Jump on my Insta stories and listen as she narrates the events of that day that changed the very course of her life,” Macharia shared