Kenya’s Manosphere: Eric Amunga aka Amerix vs Al Jazeera
Every Saturday morning, countless Kenyan men eagerly log into their phones, ready for the weekly tweets from Eric Amunga, better known by his alias, Amerix. Using the hashtag #MasculinitySaturday, Amerix shares his views on manhood, relationships, and societal roles with over 2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). Al Jazeera recently reported on the significant influence Amerix wields in Kenya’s online spaces.
According to Al Jazeera, Amerix, has become one of the most influential voices in Kenya’s manosphere, a network of online influencers focusing on men’s issues. His popularity stems from his straightforward, often controversial, advice aimed at empowering men in what he describes as a “femicentric world.”
“Men. Buying gifts to simply please her is a no. Buying gifts to reward her for doing something good is a yes. Flowers are for goats. Chocolates will make her fat,” reads one of his typical tweets. Amerix advises men to buy their partners long-lasting gifts, like books, and warns against being a “nice guy,” whom he describes as a “slave” to women’s demands.
Eric Amunga’s advice has not been without criticism. Aundry Mugeni, a Co Founder at Femicide Count Kenya, highlights that many accuse him of promoting regressive views on gender roles and relationships. His emphasis on traditional masculine traits, how a man dresses, what he eats, how he treats a woman,has been described by some as misogynistic. Critics argue that his messages, while packaged as male empowerment, reinforce patriarchal norms and contribute to the marginalization of women.
Eric Amunga’s advice has not been without criticism. Aundry Mugeni, a Co Founder at Femicide Count Kenya, highlights that many accuse him of promoting regressive views on gender roles and relationships. His emphasis on traditional masculine traits, how a man dresses, what he eats, how he treats a woman,has been described by some as misogynistic. Critics argue that his messages, while packaged as male empowerment, reinforce patriarchal norms and contribute to the marginalization of women.
“A lot of these men are looking to hear what they’ve always known about masculinity because they live in a patriarchal culture,” says a sociologist studying the manosphere, Onyango Otieno. “They feel disempowered as women seem to advance beyond them and find solace in the mob psychology of Amerix’s messages.”
Amerix is not alone in this movement. Al Jazeera’s report also mentions other prominent figures like Andrew Kibe, a former radio host who built a large following on YouTube before being banned in 2023 for hate speech violations. Kibe now operates on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as his website, where followers can pay for exclusive content and merchandise.
“The manosphere has really grown over the last couple of years because there are so many problems that young Kenyan men are facing,” explains a cultural analyst. “They feel like there’s barely any safe space to discuss their issues, and these online spaces provide that outlet.”
Kenya’s manosphere is part of a larger global phenomenon. Al Jazeera draws parallels to influencers like Andrew Tate, who was banned from social media in August 2022 for hate speech and faced charges of rape and human trafficking. Tate’s influence has inspired a new genre of content characterized by its often toxic and misogynistic rhetoric, which has been emulated by influencers worldwide, from Dev Tyagi in India to Mikalis in Greece.
As Amerix continues to captivate a significant portion of Kenya’s male population, the debate over his influence intensifies. Supporters argue that he provides much-needed guidance in a time of crisis for many men, while critics warn of the dangers of his regressive messages.
In a society grappling with issues of gender equality and evolving social norms, figures like Eric Amunga remain deeply polarizing. As the manosphere grows, so too does the conversation about the role of men in modern society and the impact of these influential voices.
Here is the full story by Al Jazeera
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Eric Amunga, also known as Amerix, may express views that challenge the mainstream narrative of gender relations, his opinions are part of a broader debate about modern masculinity and the changing roles of men and women in society. His comments, though controversial, reflect a desire to address the struggles and frustrations many men face in today’s world, which often feels disempowering or confusing.
Al Jazeera’s coverage, while focusing on what is deemed politically correct, misses the nuance in this conversation. It’s important to separate popular opinion from what may be a deeper truth about the evolving dynamics between genders. Amerix’s messages, though unpopular in some circles, are a call for men to reclaim a sense of agency and purpose in a society that is constantly changing. His criticisms of modern relationships, while provocative, highlight an issue that goes beyond misogyny – they point to the struggles of men trying to navigate their identities in a shifting cultural landscape.
Rather than dismissing his views outright, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful discussions about masculinity, gender roles, and how they evolve in the modern world. Understanding different perspectives, even if they challenge conventional wisdom, is the only way to truly move forward and create a society where both men and women can thrive equally.
