American Newsmax host Rob Finnerty has apologised to Kenyans on live television after facing backlash for comparing Nairobi to American cities affected by immigration.
Finnerty made the apology on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following criticism of comments he made during a broadcast about undocumented immigration and urban conditions in the United States.
His remarks sparked heated reactions online, with Kenyans accusing the presenter of portraying Nairobi negatively. Many demanded an apology on the same television platform where he made the controversial comparison.
Finnerty’s Nairobi-New York Comparison
The controversy began during a Newsmax broadcast on October 9, when Finnerty discussed immigration and so-called sanctuary cities in the United States.
During the discussion, he claimed that some American cities were becoming “more like Nairobi than New York City” because of undocumented immigration.
The comparison quickly attracted criticism from Kenyans, who argued that he had unfairly used Nairobi as a symbol of urban decline.
Kenyans Demand an On-Air Apology
Following the broadcast, Kenyans took to social media platforms, including X and Instagram, to challenge Finnerty’s remarks.
Some users shared photographs of Nairobi’s skyline, modern buildings and commercial districts to highlight the city’s development. Others criticised the presenter for making a sweeping comparison between cities with different histories and circumstances.
Finnerty reportedly issued a written apology before addressing the controversy on television. However, some Kenyans continued demanding a public apology during his show.
Newsmax Host Admits His Comparison Was Wrong
During his televised response, Finnerty acknowledged that his comments had offended people in Nairobi and elsewhere.
“I know my comment offended a lot of people who live there and all over the world and for that I am truly sorry. It was a stupid comparison to make,” he said, according to reports.
He also recognised Nairobi’s role as a major centre for commerce, technology, education and tourism. Finnerty’s apology followed days of online criticism, with the debate highlighting how international media portray African cities and how audiences respond when they feel their communities have been misrepresented.
Nairobi’s Global Image at the Centre of Debate
Nairobi serves as a major business and technology hub in East Africa. It also attracts international organisations, investors, tourists and professionals.
The controversy has renewed discussion about the language international commentators use when comparing African cities with those in the United States and Europe.
For many Kenyans, Finnerty’s apology addressed more than a single remark. It also highlighted the importance of discussing cities fairly and recognising their complexity, development and global significance.
