Comedian Terence Creative has criticised TikToker Sparky Kenya for belittling 35-year-old Kenyans who rely on matatus for their daily commute.
In a series of Instagram stories, Terence urged digital content creators to seek divine wisdom before making public statements.
“People need to pray for God to give you the wisdom to change things and speak to people,” he said. “There is a guy who insulted people aged 35 and above for using matatus instead of owning cars.”
He called out Sparky’s notion that those who use public transport are either lazy or under a curse of poverty, describing it as a “poor and mediocre way of thinking.”
Terence reminded him that the very people being mocked are the same customers who support his business. Without them, he said, Sparky would not afford the car he boasts about.
“He’s imposed that these people are lazy or cursed for not owning a car. But let me remind you, the same people are the ones who helped you buy that car. You’re insulting people who took a matatu to come support your business,” he said.
Known for championing a “no-pressure” lifestyle, Terence introduced himself as an “anti-pressure ambassador” and encouraged Kenyans not to succumb to societal pressure to appear wealthy.
He emphasised that financial success happens at different stages in life, whether in one’s forties or sixties.
“You can succeed even in your forties and sixties. Don’t let anyone pressure you,” he added.
Terence encouraged his followers to look up to celebrities who found success later in life, citing acclaimed voice actor Morgan Freeman and Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of KFC.
Sanders began serving southern-style chicken in 1930, and in 1952 partnered with Pete Harman in Salt Lake City, Utah, to create the KFC franchise and its iconic red-and-white bucket. Meanwhile, Morgan Freeman, born in 1937, only rose to fame in the 1970s after years of acting.
“Read about people like Morgan Freeman and see when he became successful. The same applies to the owner of KFC,” said Terence.
The controversy was sparked after Sparky Kenya, a businessman in the beauty and cosmetics industry, released a video mocking adults for using public transport.
“You’re 35 years old and still queuing for a matatu. Aren’t you ashamed? You even get rained on fighting for a matatu because you don’t have a car,” he had said.
The remarks sparked online backlash from Kenyans, especially on TikTok.
One user warned, “Chunga mdomo yako wewe kijana.”
Another quipped, “It’s better to lack a car at 30 than lack common sense. What are these? His car doesn’t even have eyebrows—he should draw some before he loses customers.”