Irene Nekesa, a former househelp to Kenyan musician Bahati and his wife Diana Marua, recently shared the reasons behind her decision to leave a job that paid her an impressive monthly salary of Ksh 100,000. This amount is considered extraordinary for domestic workers in Kenya, where the majority earn significantly less.
Despite the lucrative nature of the position, Nekesa explained that personal circumstances ultimately drove her to resign, as the financial benefits were not enough to meet her family’s growing needs. As the primary breadwinner, she faced immense pressure to support her dependents, which made it challenging to sustain herself and adequately provide for her family.
“Ni vile watu hawaelewi maisha ya huku nje. Some people question why I left a place where there was money like that, but what they cannot understand is how much someone is being depended on back home,” Nekesa explained during an interview with Jack Ogaga. “I always tell you that I am highly depended on back home and possibly I left because what I was earning there was not enough for me and to support my family.”
After leaving her well-paying role with Diana Marua and Bahati, Nekesa faced numerous challenges, sparking mixed reactions from the public. Some criticized her decision, with a few even labeling her a beggar when she began relying on a Good Samaritan and seeking support from her TikTok followers. However, Nekesa clarified that she was not looking for handouts but rather job opportunities that would allow her to work and earn a living.
“I didn’t want people to give me food,” she said. “I asked for jobs because I have a following. I usually request advertising opportunities so I can work and earn instead.”
In a past interview, Nekesa revealed that her departure from Diana and Bahati’s home was not due to any conflict but rather a mutual understanding. She emphasized that her time with the family was positive and that they had always supported her ambitions.
Nekesa highlighted that she worked diligently during her employment and appreciated the encouragement she received from Diana and Bahati to pursue her own path. The couple also helped her establish a presence on social media, a move that has proven instrumental in her journey toward self-reliance.
“I needed to step out and grow, and it was a mutual understanding,” Nekesa shared. “They didn’t leave me hanging; they helped me build my social media presence, which has been beneficial.”
