Why #Eritrean wives hoax trended on social media

Why #Eritrean wives hoax trended on social media

Social media frenzy to Eritrea hoax. / Naitrends

By MUSYOKA NGUI

Social media entertainment side was exemplified by the now popular false news that Eritrean men will be jailed for life for not marrying two wives. The hoax went on to reveal that the guests of the state will also be subjected to hard labour.

Kenyan social media users jammed Twitter and WhatsApp groups show their ufisi side. A popular male union club called Team Mafisi salivated on the offer revealing their eagerness to go to Eritrea.

Reaction to Eritrea polygamy hoax. /Tuko.co.ke

A Somali website named Diplomat News Network uploaded a fake memo showing the decree of the iron fisted government.

The article alluded to a demand and supply mismatch blamed on war. A sweetener was added that polygamists’ bills will be footed by the State.

Male Kenyan social media users openly showed their wishes to relocate to Eritrea. However, Nairobi women found the post sexist and offensive.

The Kenyan social media frenzy sucked in Nigerian, Zimbabwean and Ghanaian counterparts who also openly expressed their polygamist intentions.

Eritrean beauties?/Naitrends

An Eritrean blogger Filmon Zerai blamed Kenyan rags for popularizing the story online. He tweeted :“Ridiculous tabloid rumours on #Eritrea wives has gone viral in Africa. Polygamy is illegal but welcome those who want to visit.”

Article 322 of Penal Code 2015 criminalized polygamy in Eritrea but districts administered by Sharia/Islamic law still practice the age old tradition. Bigamy is punishable for a maximum sentence of one year and maximum fine of Ksh.300,000.

Twitter Trend on #Eritreawives

A Nigerian run US based website SaharaReporters quoted Eritrean diplomat in New York who “flatly denied the rumour, and expressed frustration that hoax had gained the traction it had”.

No doubt fool’s day prank came early for Kenyans this year.