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American television host Rob Finnerty has issued a fresh on-air apology to Kenyans after facing widespread criticism for comparing New York City to Nairobi during a discussion about immigration and urban decline.

Finnerty, who hosts a programme on Newsmax, admitted that his remarks were inappropriate, acknowledging that the comparison was unfair and that he had failed in his responsibility as a journalist to communicate thoughtfully and respectfully.

How the Controversy Began

The controversy dates back to an October 9 broadcast in which Finnerty discussed immigration and the changing conditions of major American cities.

During the segment, he argued that immigration was contributing to the deterioration of sanctuary cities, claiming that New York was beginning to look “more like Nairobi than New York City.”

He also criticised American media outlets for allegedly failing to adequately report the changes he described, drawing comparisons with developments in the United Kingdom and France.

The broadcast featured interviews with immigrants who identified themselves as coming from Guatemala, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mexico and Guinea. None of the individuals featured in the supplied clip identified themselves as being from Kenya or Nairobi.

His remarks quickly attracted criticism from Kenyans, many of whom took to social media to challenge the portrayal of their capital city.

Kenyans Push Back Against the Comparison

Online reactions saw Kenyans share images and videos highlighting Nairobi’s modern skyline, expanding infrastructure, technology sector and vibrant commercial activity.

Many criticised the comparison as misleading and dismissive of a city that has established itself as an important economic and technological centre in East Africa.

As the backlash intensified, Finnerty initially apologised in a statement posted on X.

“I want to offer an apology to the people of Nairobi, Kenya. The passion you have for your city and homeland is amazing… We all make mistakes. I misspoke, and I am sorry to anyone I have offended,” he wrote.

However, the statement did not satisfy all critics, with some demanding that he address the controversy on television, where the original comments had been made.

Finnerty Admits His Comparison Was Wrong

In his subsequent on-air apology, Finnerty directly addressed Kenyan viewers, acknowledging that comparing Nairobi to a deteriorating New York City was a mistake.

“While discussing my concerns about New York City turning into a third world city under the new mayor, I compared what New York City has become to the city of Nairobi, which was just wrong,” he said.

The broadcaster went on to acknowledge Nairobi’s growth and international standing, describing the Kenyan capital as a thriving centre for commerce, technology, education and tourism.

“Nairobi, which is in Kenya, is a largely Christian nation, and I know my comments offended a lot of really good people who live there and all over the world, and for that, I am truly sorry,” Finnerty said.

He added that the comparison was “a stupid comparison to make,” noting that Nairobi was thriving while many cities around the world faced their own challenges.

Finnerty also acknowledged that his remarks had offended people beyond Kenya, accepting responsibility for the impact of his words.

Broadcaster Accepts Responsibility for His Remarks

In a further admission, Finnerty recognised the responsibility that comes with working as a journalist and broadcaster.

He said he had failed to communicate with the thoughtfulness and respect expected of someone in his position.

“That does not change what happened, and I know I’ve got the responsibility as a broadcaster, as a journalist, to speak thoughtfully and respectfully, and I failed here, and I will admit that. So I hope the people of Kenya accept this apology,” he said.

Finnerty added that he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and maintained that no community deserved to be unfairly characterised or insulted.

“No community deserves to be unfairly characterized or insulted, I would be upset too, and I’m sorry,” he said, appealing to Kenyans to forgive him.

The Wider Debate Over How Africa Is Portrayed

The controversy has reignited conversations about how African cities are represented in international media, particularly when discussions about immigration, crime and urban development rely on comparisons that can reinforce negative stereotypes.

Nairobi is a major commercial and technological hub in East Africa, with a growing innovation ecosystem, a diverse business community and an established role in regional and international commerce.

Critics of Finnerty’s original remarks argued that using the city as a symbol of urban decline overlooked these realities and reduced a complex, rapidly developing metropolis to a negative stereotype.

The incident also highlights the influence of social media in challenging international narratives. Kenyan users quickly mobilised online, bringing images of their city and their perspectives into a discussion that had initially taken place on American television.

Finnerty’s televised apology represents a further response to the backlash, following his initial statement on X. Whether it fully addresses the concerns raised by Kenyans remains a matter of public opinion.

KASSMTV USA will continue to follow developments in international media and the conversations shaping how African cities are understood around the world.