In a social media post, Kenyan entertainer Ruth Matete detailed a traumatic childhood incident that left her with extensive burns, describing how the experience shaped her faith and perspective on adversity.
Matete recounted that as a young child in Kakamega, she suffered second- and third-degree burns when she knocked over a pot of boiling porridge. The accident, which occurred when she was still crawling, resulted in burns covering 80% of her body, affecting her back, thighs, hands, and head.
"You see that scar on my back? That’s just what you can see. When I was young, I got burned by porridge. I was barely walking. Dad says I was still crawling. Back in Kakamega. Mum had prepared porridge and ran out to do something. I crawled, and touched the tip of the pot (sufuria) and it toppled over. Long story short, I burned 80%. I don’t know what that means? I just know it’s a lot of burning."
She described the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, including skin grafting procedures. Matete emphasized that her scars are a testament to divine protection, noting that the burned areas were those she could conceal with clothing.
"God was so gracious the parts that were burned are those I can hide with clothes. Now I know I was born to serve Him. Mini skirts, haiwes mek? Ooh tank top!?? ooh bare back. Ooh see through?? I can’t do such. Let’s just say, God is wise."
Matete used her experience to encourage others to embrace their own 'scars' - whether physical, emotional, or psychological. She emphasized that while wounds may heal, scars remain as proof of perseverance.
"We all have scars. They say time heals all wounds. I don’t agree. God heals all wounds. But even when the wound is healed, the scar still remains. Sometimes I go through hard times, and then I just look at all those scars. I pat myself in the back and say ‘Luxo, you overcame this. This too, you can overcome.’"
The artist concluded by urging followers to view their challenges as victories, stating that scars are not reasons for shame but symbols of resilience.
