In a statement released on Friday evening, musician and entrepreneur Esther Akoth, better known as Akothee, criticized Kenyans for their lack of empathy and their tendency to judge celebrities harshly.
The 43-year-old mother of five revealed that she has been unfairly judged based on a photo of her with Nelly Oaks, taken about three years ago. According to Akothee, the public has misinterpreted the photo, seeing it in a negative light.
Contrary to the assumptions made by others, Akothee explained that the photo was taken during a time when she was grappling with a severe illness that nearly took her life. During her battle, Nelly Oaks played a crucial role in her recovery process.
“You might perceive this photo as romantic due to the context you imagine,” Akothee wrote beneath the photo of her and Nelly Oaks by the pool. “However, for us, this photo symbolizes triumph—a testament to a woman who refused to give up in 2021, a woman who refused to die.”
She further explained, “This photo was taken while I was in the midst of a collapsing world. We had made several hospital visits where I wished for an injection that would completely numb me. We had just come from the hospital after being diagnosed with compressed veins, and I couldn’t engage in intimacy, let alone think about it. I was supposed to undergo surgery that could have left me in a wheelchair. One side of my body was almost paralyzed, and Nelly did everything to help me regain my strength. I was devastated and disheartened.”
Akothee urged Kenyans to stop viewing everything through a sexual lens and to approach such situations with a clearer perspective.
“It’s wrong to misinterpret this photo. If I see it on your page with inappropriate captions, ask yourself why you won’t see us featured in the media again. I need to manage and protect my image,” she stated.
She also affirmed her commitment to her relationship with Nelly Oaks and dismissed any speculation or negativity surrounding their bond.
