Photo: Courtesy
American-based Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo’s recent comments about sending money to her extended family have sparked controversy.
Majimbo expressed frustration with family members who frequently request financial assistance, labeling them as “lazy” and suggesting they should become more self-sufficient.
Her remarks have ignited a lively discussion on social media about family dynamics and financial expectations.
In a video circulating on X, Elsa Majimbo stated:
“Sending money back home or to your extended family is such a common African practice that I absolutely hate. I saw my dad doing it, and I don’t even know any of my extended family.”
Why can’t Elsa Majimbo support extended family members?
She implied that while some people work hard and face financial struggles, others may rely excessively on the support of relatives abroad.
Majimbo expressed her strong feelings about the expectations placed on individuals with jobs to share their earnings with extended family.
She said,
“As long as you have a job, they expect you to share that money. And that is just something I will not be participating in. I already knew I would never participate in this. Like, how do you come and tell me, ‘Oh, my kids are starving’? You’re lazy. Get a job and feed your kids.”
She continued,
“There’s this one extended family member of ours who used to ask my dad for money, and she texted me asking for money. You’ve been asking my dad for money since before I was born. Now you’re asking me? I’m not feeding your habits. You’re too lazy to be alive.”
Her comments sparked a range of reactions:
- @officialg_ray: “May you not become an extended family in need.”
- @ideniyor: “She’s talking from a place of privilege. Those extended family are also not so close to her personally. If she lived in Nigeria, she would understand that laziness isn’t always the issue. On the plus side, she won’t have black tax issues.”
- @IgonorMathias: “The guilty conscience that comes with not responding to those texts or calls from extended family.”
- @Toxyberry1: “I keep saying this. People really think begging is easy.”
- @Makiadi_: “This is wrong.”
- @Angelica_Thinks: “Me too. I’m in saving mode; I’m not trying to send people money.”
Has money changed Elsa Majimbo?
