Kenyan media personality Natalie Githinji has shared a touching public apology she received from a follower who once body-shamed her online. The message, written in the form of a letter, has sparked a broader conversation about compassion, health, and accountability in the digital age.
In the apology, the unnamed follower admits to making a comment in 2023 under one of Githinji’s video clips, joking about her needing to “eat and add some weight.” At the time, the comment seemed harmless to the writer, who says they were unaware that Githinji was silently battling endometriosis.
“I only learned about your health journey weeks later when you courageously opened up about it,” the letter reads. “Since then, every time I come across your posts, I’m reminded of my comment, and I feel deeply ashamed and regretful.”
The individual added: “I now understand that our words—even when not meant to harm—can add weight to someone else’s burden.”
Endometriosis is a chronic illness in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, causing intense pain and other serious health issues. Many women live with the condition in silence, and in Githinji’s case, her diagnosis has shaped not only her private life but also how the public responds to her image.
Natalie responded with grace and clarity. “Apology accepted and sending you love wherever you are,” she wrote, adding praying hands and heart emojis to her caption. In a follow-up post, she urged her followers to always choose kindness, regardless of whether someone’s struggle is visible or not.
“Everyone is battling something. Some find it easy to share, some don’t,” she said. “Even if hakuna kitu mtu ana battle (someone isn’t fighting anything), still be kind.”
Githinji also revealed that she had recently blocked a male comedian for making a body-shaming comment in her comment section. “Na kikacheka… nkt,” she wrote, using humour to call out the behaviour while expressing a hopeful tone. “He’s growing and I love it… tusiharibu keroma (let’s not spoil the vibe) but tukimeet nitamshow.”
Her post concluded with a message of solidarity: “Sending love to all my endo warriors out there,” accompanied by yellow ribbons—symbols for endometriosis awareness.
Githinji’s openness has drawn praise from many of her followers, with several thanking her for using her platform to promote empathy and raise awareness about invisible illnesses.
