Parody Daniel Moi’s Tweet Stirs Kenyans.
A Twitter parody of the late Retired President Daniel Arap Moi has stirred Kenyans on Social Media. The former teacher passed on peacefully at the Nairobi Hospital in the early hours of February 4, 2020. President Uhuru Kenyatta made the death announcement, declaring that the country is in a period of national mourning and flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Baba Moi. He further announced that Moi would receive a state funeral.
What is however interesting about such top personality breaking news is the impact the social sites have in as far as timeliness is concerned. While we are dependent on the mainstream media to bring the live coverage of such stories since they have reporters all over, the social media is the first stop one would make in search of real-time updates.
Immediately the news of the passing on of Mzee Daniel Moi was broadcasted on major news channels, a parody account using his name tweeted: ‘I’m Out!’ This captured the attention of social media users who screenshot the tweet to share on various platforms like WhatsApp status, Facebook and Instagram stories. The tweet has gone extremely viral, and a reply from another fake account of the late opposition chief, Oginga Odinga was even more interesting.
The parody replied to the tweet: “Been waiting for you bro,” making the whole thing even funnier. Parody accounts of Kenya’s founding fathers have gained immense influence of masses on Twitter and the cheeky internet trolls behind them have been using the platforms to mock Kenyans, the current government or comment on any issue of national interest. Kenyans are generally jokers and do not care about the content these fake accounts tweet.
Twitter allows its users to create parodies, newsfeed, commentary, and fan accounts on Twitter, provided that they follow the requirements provided it the site’s rules and policies which requires them to comply with the following rules:
- Bio: The bio should clearly indicate that the user is not affiliated with the subject of the account. Non-affiliation can be indicated by incorporating, for example, words such as (but not limited to) “parody,” “fake,” “fan,” or “commentary.” Non-affiliation should be stated in a way that can be understood by the intended audience.
- Account name: The account name (note: this is separate from the username or @handle) should clearly indicate that the user is not affiliated with the subject of the account. Non-affiliation can be indicated by incorporating, for example, words such as (but not limited to) “parody,” “fake,” “fan,” or “commentary.” Non-affiliation should be stated in a way that can be understood by the intended audience.
Twitter may review the accounts upon receiving complaints from anyone who files a valid impersonation or trademark report about an account that is not in compliance with their policies. The owner of the parody may be given an opportunity to comply or risk getting permanently suspended.
READ: Retired President Daniel Moi is dead.