Akothee: Kenya’s Only Real Celebrity Can’t Shop Normally

Kenyan musician and businesswoman Esther Akoth Kokeyo, known as Akothee, has proclaimed herself as Kenya’s authentic celebrity, asserting that her fame prevents her from shopping publicly like ordinary citizens and other celebrities. “I’m the only celebrity who cannot shop in supermarkets. In Kisumu, they must close the entire supermarket for me to shop. Ask the people of Kisumu. In Homabay, they have to shut down the store. Actually, Shivling closes and sends away customers as soon as he hears I’m in the area. Shopping in Migori is impossible for me,” Akothee explained. She differentiated her celebrity status from other public figures who move about freely. “Leave these public figures of yours who walk around and you meet them everywhere. We understand each other,” she said, dismissing other celebrities who can be encountered anywhere. Akothee described herself as a unique presence, noting that anyone who encounters her is exceptionally fortunate. “I’m a rare individual. When I visit your salon or come to your establishment, consider it an honor,” she stated. Akothee also disclosed that she occasionally utilizes ride-hailing services for discreet transportation. “Sometimes I use Uber because I need to move quickly between locations. When I pay you through Uber, stop contacting me using my M-Pesa number,” she mentioned. She highlighted the difference between her public image and personal identity. “I was blessed to carry. Who did you carry? You carried Esther, not Akothee,” she told Uber drivers who contact her after providing a ride.