Kenyan singer and entrepreneur Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee in Kisumu on October 22, 2025./COURTESY
Kenyan singer and entrepreneur Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has opened up about her recent health challenges, revealing that she has been diagnosed with severe migraines, a blood clot, and uterine fibroids.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Akothee said the conditions have forced her to slow down and rethink her approach to life and strength.
“Most of you have been wondering about the drastic change in my lifestyle… Truth is, life slowed me down,” she wrote on Facebook.
The musician revealed that doctors are yet to locate the exact position of the blood clot.
She recounted a frightening incident during her treatment when she lost consciousness for three hours after reacting adversely to blood-thinning medication.
“The doctors said it was a case of over-sedation, and my body reacted strongly to the medication,” she said.
Reflecting on the experience, Akothee said it changed her perspective on what it means to be strong.
“For a long time, I thought being strong meant pushing through pain, smiling through the storm, showing up no matter what. But now I’ve learned that true strength sometimes means stopping, breathing, and healing,” she wrote.
The award-winning artist said she has since chosen to prioritise peace and self-care over pressure and public expectations.
“My peace is now my prescription. My calm is my survival. I’m learning to honour my body, to listen when it whispers instead of waiting for it to scream,” she added.
Akothee also had a message for her critics and supporters, saying her silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
“To everyone who has noticed my silence, it’s not weakness. It’s wisdom,” she said, expressing solidarity with women suffering in silence. “To every woman silently battling pain behind her smile—I see you. We are not broken. We are becoming.”
In a candid and light-hearted tone, she joked that people could call her “Fibroids, Migraines, Blood Clot Akoth Kokeyo,” adding that if any of her health conditions worsen, she would prefer a simple burial within 48 hours.
Akothee urged fans to express love and appreciation for others while they are still alive.
“If you want to see me, enjoy me now that we can interact. Show me the love now. There is no genuine love shown to a dead body if it was never shown while they lived,” she wrote.
The singer who was once very vocal and active on social media has in the recent past not been as active as fans were used to.
She returned to the country a few days ago following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
