In a candid social media post, renowned Kenyan singer and entrepreneur Akothee, whose real name is Esther Akoth, sparked a conversation about the common practice of accommodating relatives from upcountry in Nairobi homes.
Known for her outspoken nature, Akothee highlighted the mental and emotional strain this tradition places on urban families, advocating for a shift in how support is extended to relatives migrating to the city.
Akothee began by acknowledging the increasing mental instability faced by many in this generation, emphasizing that the pressure to host extended family members exacerbates this issue.
“Let us all agree that in this generation, we are incapable of living with or accommodating relatives. We are all mentally unstable, including the children you want to impose on us. Let everyone come to Nairobi and hustle like we did; there are no comfort zones,” she stated.
The singer pointed out that these relatives often become a burden rather than a help.
She described how young relatives often lounge around the house, consuming food without contributing, and sometimes even creating conflicts.
“They spend all day lounging on couches, eating leftovers, and consuming more than the homeowners. They even have the audacity to beat up our wives and children. They expose our secrets and turn our children into content for TikTok,” she explained, highlighting the disruptive potential of such arrangements.
Akothee’s critique extended to the erosion of family relationships caused by these dynamics.
She warned that the imposition of favorite children from upcountry can lead to lasting rifts.
“This child, your favorite child you are imposing on us, will break our family relationships for good. We might even choose not to come home because of what they have reported to you,” she stressed, highlighting the long-term repercussions of these impositions.
In her concluding advice, Akothee suggested a more sustainable approach: supporting relatives to find independent housing in the city.
“They are your children and remain your responsibility, not ours. Find them a house as they hustle, and we will support them from there, but not while they are inside our homes. It is already challenging to live with a spouse; everyone is looking for mental space to breathe,” she noted.
