Kenyans Gang Up On Woman Who Criticised Men Living In Bedsitters

Ladies, a trick question for you...especially those residing in Kenya, would you date a man who lives in a bedsitter?

Rita, a user on X (formerly Twitter) going by the handle Bhadgurlrih, on Thursday, December 28 sparked backlash amongst Kenyan men especially when she expressed her disgust for men living in bedsitters across the country.

In a series of tweets, she wrote "Kuishi kwa Bedsitter hukuwa (Living in a bedsitter becomes) very shameful. Especially for a man", as though she was against men who opted for bedsitters as a convenient way to live, especially in urban areas.

Kuishi kwa Bedsitter hukuwa very shameful . Especially for a man — Ritaliciousss???????? (@bhadgurlrih) December 28, 2023

Anticipating the criticism that would follow, she added "Nimesema (I said) a man, sio (not) small boys wenye ni (who are) comrades.

A woman working on her laptop in a bedsitter. /iSTOCK

"I will not speak without my lawyer. Ndio hawa (here are the) Bedsitter merchants kwa (on the) replies na qrts (quoted replies)," she went on.

Her tweet was viewed more than 401,000 times and prompted male users to go hard on her, schooling her regarding the current state of the economy and the fact that living in a bedsitter was nothing to be ashamed of.

"There's no shame in living in a bedsitter. Just live within your means. Usipewe pressure na (don't be pressured by) a low IQ campus kid tweeting from her hostel double-decker fully paid by her parents.," Joseh replied.

A female user, Alexis, disagreed with Rita by giving a case study of one of her male friends living in a bedsitter while allegedly working on a multi-million project.

"Personally nliacha kujudge guys living in a bedsitter when this one in particular showed me his multi million project akaniambia till his project peaks he’s gonna lay low na he wanna stay humble watu wamjue kama that guy who came from rugs to riches ogopa wanaume," she wrote

Loosely translated to "Personally I stopped judging guys living in a bedsitter when this one in particular showed me his multi-million project and he told me until his project peaks, he’s going to lay low and stay humble so that people know him as that guy who came from rags to riches. Fear men."

Others expressed that they would rather reside in bedsitters while building houses of their own in their hometown complete with a decent compound.

Other users thought Rita's tweet could be a case of rage farming, a notorious tactic by users subscribed to X Premium to earn money through engagements via Elon Musk's ad revenue-sharing program as part of his campaign to reward and encourage active users. 

Bedsitters have gained popularity in the Kenyan real estate industry thanks to their high demand, availability and affordability. Their unique designs that come in various arrangements have attracted several Kenyans, especially college students who have the largest demand.

Their multifunctional nature i.e. a bathroom, kitchen and living room all confined in one setting makes them preferable for most tenants. Some bedsitters in Nairobi can start from as low as Ksh3,500.

Read also: Affordable Estates Where Most Nairobi Residents Live In

Did you know that socialite Vera Sidika once lived in a bedsitter? Through a post on Instagram in October 2021, she opened up about living in a Ksh3,500 bedsitter back when she was studying at Kenyatta University (KU). 

“I've lived in a bedsitter when I joined KU as a 1st-year student. I would proudly pay Ksh3,500 monthly rent without fail. Zero arrears. I have said this in interviews and here many times, and I’m so proud of myself for it,” she wrote. 

“Never once while inside my bedsitter did I hate on a single human or be bitter. That's why I'm successful today. Instead, I was humble and happy for others as I waited for my turn."

She cautioned those criticising others living in bedsitters stating “Y'all broke bedsitter haters busy hating you think you will end up anywhere? Life hasn’t humbled you enough, it will soon. I promise you."

A house in Utawala, Nairobi. /HAVILAPLUS ESTATES