Kenyans criticise US preacher’s Aids slur

Kenyans on Twitter have criticised a renowned US televangelist after he warned viewers that they could get Aids from towels in Kenya.

While responding to a viewer’s question whether it was safe to travel to Kenya given the Ebola crisis in Africa, Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson, 84, said Aids was a real problem in the country and he should be extra-cautious.

Speaking during last Thursday’s edition of his show "The 700 Club", Mr Robertson said: “The people have Aids in Kenya, you’ve got to be careful, I mean, the towels could have Aids.”

He then went on to list other diseases that one could catch by visiting developing countries.

Infuriated Kenyans took to social media under the hashtag #SomeoneTellPatRobertson as soon as the video clip went viral.

Ben Karangi (@kapaintz) warned Kenyans against travelling to the US because they “may contract ignorance”.

Kennedy Were (@Kenwere) said: “IT’S A SHAME [Robertson] is called a Broadcaster, Humanitarian, Author, Christian, Businessman, Statesman....for WHAT??”

Local singer Michelle (@michellemartins) quipped: “#SomeoneTellPatRobertson we have stopped using towels and are now just lying in the sun after we shower!!”

Dr Ma Tj (Lasterbosire) said: “#SomeoneTellPatRobertson he owes Kenya an Apology! As a Christian doctor I’m infuriated by his comments!”

Liz K (@mweshy_k) urged the preacher to “do your research about an issue before ‘advising’ your audience.”

Mr Robertson’s positive views on Kenya largely went unnoticed.

For instance, he said “being a few hundred miles away from an Ebola outbreak”, Kenya is totally safe from the disease.