Kenyan singer and businesswoman Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has sparked an online conversation after sharing a candid narration about her past relationship, urging couples to normalize discussing mental health before getting married.

The outspoken artist said she decided to share her story — though humorous — to help people learn from her experience and avoid falling into dangerous relationships masked as love.

“There’s a reason I shared this story. It’s funny, but let’s laugh and learn from it. Just as we normalize HIV testing before marriage, we should also normalize disclosing other hidden illnesses that aren’t detected in the blood,” Akothee said.

“Not Every Illness Shows in the Blood”

Akothee emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in relationships, saying that many people are walking around “unwell without even knowing it.”

She encouraged couples to be open about their psychological struggles and emotional wellbeing before committing to marriage, warning that ignoring red flags can lead to devastating outcomes.

“Every couple should be honest about the issues they carry in their heads. The moment you start asking yourself why someone is acting a certain way, don’t ignore it. If you let that slide, it could cost you dearly — we might end up seeing you six feet under,” she warned.

“People Are Living with Madness in Disguise”

Akothee narrated her experience with her ex, Omosh Boxer, describing it as both shocking and educational.

She humorously said that some people enter relationships while concealing deep psychological problems, making it hard for their partners to notice the signs early on.

“Meeting Omosh Boxer shocked me, but also educated me a lot. People are living with mad people dressed up nicely. There are some moves a person will make and I will immediately figure him out,” she said.

Akothee went on to caution that such relationships often appear perfect in the beginning, with “all lights green,” until reality sets in and chaos begins.

“This kind of person comes with a lot of packaged love that is unique. No time to see red flags — all is green, until the day police forget to regulate the traffic lights. It’s all chaos,” she joked.

“You want to stay in kenya ,you love kenya and us we want to go to Europe we love Europe, na vile huwa tukiwa Europe tunacheza mchezo wa paka na panya na Polisi hata kama hauna makosa, halafu wewe ,wampiga msichana wa mwenyewe karibu kufa, na kurusha vita vya kamasi? Kisa wewe mgonjwa akili? Wewe uliponea , muulize Omosh siku aliiitisha mahindi ya wenyewe ikaletwa kwangu na akaruka kulipa., wewe zile makofi alikula, na investment zake za takataka. Yaaaani mimi super star kajisahau, kwa akina ndoa nikaanza kufuga nguruwe nikasahau studio, kisa mapenzi , kumbe wazimu. Aaah I have embarrassed myself enough.”

“I Embarrassed Myself Enough”

Reflecting on her past, Akothee admitted that love once blinded her to the point of losing focus on her career and priorities.

“I, a superstar, forgot myself — I got into marriage and even started keeping pigs, forgetting the studio because of love. I have embarrassed myself enough,” she confessed.

The mother of five said she has since learned valuable lessons about relationships and self-awareness, stressing that mental health conversations should be as normal as physical health tests before marriage.

Fans React

Akothee’s honest post has drawn mixed reactions online, with many fans praising her for her vulnerability and humor, while others noted that her message carries a serious reminder about mental wellness and toxic relationships.

Her post adds to the growing public discourse in Kenya around mental health awareness, particularly in romantic relationships and marriages.