Charlie Jones, the much-discussed boyfriend of media personality Betty Kyallo, has found himself at the centre of controversy following his candid remarks about Mathare, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.
In a series of Instagram posts shared on Friday night February 7, 2025, Charlie expressed shock and discomfort over the conditions he encountered during his visit to Mathare.
The young socialite, whose relationship with Kyallo has drawn public attention due to their significant age gap, did not mince words when describing his experience.
“Mathare, I appreciate the favor, but I’m NEVER coming back,” Jones wrote, citing what he described as an unbearable stench in the slum.
“It’s actually sad that people live in those places. Once you go to those places, you will appreciate the privileges of life that you got, but yo, it f*** stinks—even the air stinks.”
Jones appeared surprised to learn that there were even more deprived areas within Mathare than the part he visited.
“N talking about I was in uptown Mathare. What you mean uptown! You telling me there’s worse?” he asked incredulously.
Charlie stated that he plans to visit Kibera to compare it with Mathare and determine Kenya’s best ghetto.
“Now i gotta go to Kibera and see which the best slum in Kenya,” he said.
Despite his blunt assessment, Charlie Jones did express appreciation for the warm reception he received from Mathare residents.
“But the people there treated me like family. Not like you selective [people] in Lavington. They just calm and happy. I was in public with a flashy iPhone, and nobody stole it. Just chill guys,” he wrote.
His remarks have since ignited a firestorm of criticism from Kenyans, particularly those with roots in Mathare.
Musician Mr. Seed, who grew up in the neighbourhood, took to social media to express his dismay.
“Yooh, huko ni kwetu, unatukana hivyo?” (Yooh, that’s our home, and you’re insulting it like that?) Mr. Seed commented.
Mathare has long been a birthplace of resilience, producing some of Kenya’s most celebrated musicians, including Willy Paul and Bahati, both of whom have spoken about their humble beginnings.
Many viewed Charlie Jones’ comments as insensitive and detached from the harsh realities of life in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
As the backlash continues, neither Betty Kyallo nor Charlie have responded to the stormed caused by the remarks.
Whether this controversy will subside or further strain the couple’s public image remains to be seen.
Betty Kyallo and Charlie Jones
Charlie rose to fame for his relationship with media personality Betty Kyallo, with their significant age gap sparking widespread buzz.
In June 2024, Betty Kyallo addressed the rumours and speculations surrounding her love life while speaking during an interview on YouTube Channel PlugTV.
The 35-year-old mother of one also set the record straight about her Charlie’s age, denying claims that he is only 21 years old.
“Ata akiwa 21 si underage lakini si 21, no. Let’s not go deeper,” she remarked.
Asked about the prospects of settling down with her younger boo, the celebrated personality noted that she wants to enjoy her relationship first before she can think of taking a second stab at marriage.
“Si tuko sawa for now. Hio story ya harusi inapatianga watu pressure, wee wacha tu nipendwe pole pole. Acha tu nikue taken care of by somebody’s son,” she said.
Betty Kyallo additionally stressed that she had fallen head over heels in love with the young man, noting that she never used to enjoy cooking but at the moment she has sharpened her culinary skills for her boyfriend’s sake.
“You are cooking for him?” The interviewer asked.
“Actually let me tell you I never used to like to cook lakini najipatanga tu hapo kitchen maze nko hapo tu Instagram naangalia malessons hahahahaha,” Betty Kyallo said amid laughter.
