Shiksha Arora Among Celebrities Who Declined the Viral Sponsored Israel Trip

Kenyans online have spent the week expressing frustration toward influencers and artistes who accepted a fully sponsored trip to Israel at a time when the Gaza conflict continues to unfold. The reaction has been intense, with many questioning the decision to participate in a promotional visit during a moment of global tension. As the discussions grew louder, several public figures stepped forward to clarify that they had been invited but firmly rejected the offer.

Shiksha Arora was among the first to speak openly about her decision. The media personality shared on her official X account that she received a call inviting her on an all-expenses-paid content creation trip to Israel. She made it clear that she turned it down without hesitation. “When I got a call to go on a fully paid trip to promote Israel, I declined it FAST. It’s an obvious no, anyone who has a moral backbone would do the same,” Shiksha said. She went on to express her concern over the nature of the invitation. “Marketing a country that has repeatedly killed children? Shocked to see influencers justifying this in the name of religion.”

Shiksha also clarified the structure of the offer. “There was no monetary incentive offered on the said trip, it was just an opportunity to explore Israel & experience its vibrant culture,” she added. “No money incentive was offered, it was a fully paid trip in exchange for content & marketing of the country.”

Why Did Other Creators Reject the Israel Trip?

Digital creator Rachel Gitau, popularly known as Pika na Raych, and her husband William Kamore, known as Kymo, also confirmed that they declined the trip. Through a video shared on Raych’s platforms, the couple explained how they received the same offer and took time to ask critical questions before making their decision.

“I want us to talk about the Israel trip, my husband and I received that particular call, and we got that offer to go to Israel,” she said. “They were giving you free flights, literally a free trip you were not paid to go on.” Raych added that they wanted clarity on the intention behind the invitation. “We asked very deep questions. Why do you want us to go to Israel? We want you to go to Israel so that you can show the good side of it. But my husband and I have been following a lot of Israel content and Palestine content,” the content creator added.

They concluded that influencers were being positioned to amplify a selective narrative. “They wanted us to go to Israel so that we can show the good side of it, but the truth is, is there any good side right now? No, there is nothing good about Israel right now,” she stated. “What these public figures do not know is that they are being used to sanitise something that is not good.”

For Raych and Kymo, rejecting the offer was a protective decision for their reputation. “We confidently refused this trip because we knew what it could have done to our brand, and I wish these people could have thought deeper; it was not worth going to Israel,” she added.

Which Celebrities Are Facing Online Backlash?

The sponsored trip allowed participants to tour spiritual and historical sites across Israel, but the timing created a wave of criticism. Many Kenyans felt that sharing travel content during an active conflict came across as insensitive and dismissive of human suffering.

Public figures currently facing backlash include Kambua, Kestin Mbogo, Caleb Karuga, Mwende Macharia, Gadwilliam Kiragu, Mimo Karanja, Sim Simmer, and Evelyne Wanjiru.

The debate continues to grow, highlighting the responsibilities influencers hold when accepting partnerships and the importance of considering public sentiment during global crises.

By Risper Akinyi