Diana Kemunto addresses backlash over Instagram HIV confessions

Diana Kemunto. (Courtesy)

Social media influencer Diana Kemunto has found herself at the center of a viral storm following her Instagram series where she shared confessions related to HIV/AIDS.

Kemunto, known among her followers as 'City Girl,' has been sharing stories from individuals, allegedly about spreading HIV/AIDS unknowingly, which has sparked widespread controversy and misunderstanding.

In a recent interview with Kenya Online Media, Kemunto opened up about the emotional toll the backlash has taken on her.

"Have you ever been tormented? I'm in that cage, I feel tormented, it's like I'm having demons. I'm facing this, I'm fighting that. Keyboard warriors are also saying things without reading the stories saying 'Meet Kemunto, the lady who has slept with over 50 men and spread HIV/AIDS' but that is not the story," Kemunto said.

Diana Kemunto.

She clarified that the stories were confessions from others, not her own experiences, and pleaded for understanding rather than misinformation.

"The people who were there when these anonymous stories began, can tell that these are confessions from people and I was reposting the confessions, they are not my confessions. People should try to understand, not be misinformed. People are inboxing me, calling me names, this doesn't hurt me but it hurts my loved ones. If you're not sure, ask. It's affecting me, I'm also human," she pleaded.

Despite the challenges, Kemunto stands firm on the authenticity of the confessions she shares, insisting they come from genuine sources.

"I have a brain. If I were to do those stories on my own then I would have started the first time I trended for city girls. The stories are not fake, the confessions are very real," she stated.

Diana Kemunto.

The influencer also revealed the large number of confessions she receives, with over a thousand yet to be shared due to their sensitive nature.

"I have about 1039 zenye sijapost. And I am scared of what might happen if I do. You have seen the impact that the whole issue has had so far," she said.

Kemunto's decision to provide a platform for these confessions was inspired by a close friend's personal struggle with the virus.

"I have a friend who lives positively. Her story pushed me to give people this platform to confess the things they are going through," she recalled.

Despite the mental and emotional strain, Kemunto says she will continue with her work, aiming to help and raise awareness.

"Sometimes it's very heavy on my side. It's weighing me down because sometimes I want to focus on other things but when I see someone's story I feel motivated to help this person. Mentally am not okay. I'm not even focusing on important things in my life," she confessed.