Two female students from Kyrgyzstan studying in Astana on an exchange programme have apologised after the backlash over their remarks about Kenesary Khan during an online broadcast. The young women stated that they did not intend to humiliate the Kazakh people or insult their historical memory.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE BROADCAST
The incident occurred during a stream with blogger Pan Vasil. During the conversation, the young women touched on the topic of Kenesary Khan and his remains.
One of the students said that the Kyrgyz allegedly do not hand over the Khan's head because they "should not give up the heads of enemies". The broadcast also included a phrase that wine is allegedly "drunk" from Kenesary Khan's skull in order to insult his spirit.
HOW THE STUDENTS RESPONDED
It later emerged that the students from Bishkek are currently studying in Astana on an exchange programme. After the recording spread and a wave of criticism followed, Aruke and Edina recorded a video address and asked Kazakhstanis for forgiveness. They stated that they had not set out to humiliate the Kazakh people or smear them, and promised not to make such remarks again.
The students also asked for forgiveness from the Kyrgyz people, teachers and parents. According to them, during the broadcast the blogger asked them provocative questions, but they acknowledged that this does not justify the words that were said.
CONTEXT
The topic of remarks about Kenesary Khan had already caused a backlash on social media. In January 2025, the Kazakh YouTube channel AIRAN published an interview with Kyrgyz singer Kairat Primberdiev, in which the death of Kenesary Khan and relations between Kazakhs and Kyrgyz were discussed. After publication, the singer's remarks sparked public debate.
In February 2025, the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Kyrgyzstan reported that a criminal case had been opened against Primberdiev under the article on racial, ethnic, national and religious hatred. He was also banned from leaving the country for the duration of the investigative and procedural actions.
In March 2025, the First May District Court of Bishkek found Primberdiev guilty and imposed a fine of 100,000 som.
