Akothee, born Esther Akoth, is one of Kenya’s most celebrated and controversial entertainers. She is known for her bold personality, unmatched stage presence, and inspiring journey from grass to grace.
From humble beginnings in Kisumu County to becoming a global music and business icon, Akothee’s story is one of determination and resilience. She is not just a singer but also a savvy businesswoman, philanthropist, and proud mother of five. This biography gives you everything you need to know about Akothee.
Akothee Biography and Education
Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, was born on 8 April 1983 in Kisumu County. She grew up under the care of her parents, Joshua Owino Kokeyo, an administrator, and Monica Yunita Kokeyo, a politician. She has one sibling, a younger sister named Elseba Awuor, famously known as Cebbie Koks.
Her early life was filled with challenges. At only 14 years old, Akothee dropped out of Nyabisawa Girls’ Secondary School after eloping with her then-husband.
She later resumed her studies and sat for her KCSE exams in 2004 at Wasio Mixed Secondary School. Her determination to succeed never stopped there.
In 2023, she graduated with a degree in Business Management from Mt Kenya University and is now pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Management.
Profile Summary
| Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Esther Akoth Kokeyo |
| Famous as | Akothee |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 8 April 1983 |
| Age (2025) | 42 years |
| Zodiac sign | Aries |
| Place of birth | Kisumu County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Father | Joshua Owino Kokeyo |
| Mother | Monica Yunita Kokeyo |
| Siblings | 1 (Elseba Awuor “Cebbie Koks”) |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Children | 5 |
| School | Nyabisawa Girls Secondary, Wasio Mixed Secondary |
| University | Mt Kenya University |
| Profession | Musician and entrepreneur |
| Net worth | Sh1.3 billion |
Career and Top Songs
Akothee’s career journey is a remarkable story of hard work and persistence. Before her rise to fame, she worked as a taxi driver in Mombasa and sold omena to provide for her children after divorce. At that time, she would earn about Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 4,000 daily, which kept her family afloat.
Her breakthrough came when she embraced music. With her energetic performances and unique fusion of Luo beats, Swahili lyrics, and Afrobeat, she carved her place in the competitive entertainment industry. Akothee calls herself “The Queen of Kanungo,” and her songs remain popular across East Africa.
Some of her top songs include:
Shengerera
Pretty Mama
Baby Daddy
Yuko Moyoni
Lala Salama
Pashe
Katika
Abebo
Simu
Her success in music has also seen her win major awards, including the AFRIMMA Best Female Artist (East Africa) in 2016 and the African Entertainment Awards in the USA.
Beyond music, Akothee is a businesswoman. She owns Akothee Safaris, a well-known tours and travel company, and has launched other ventures such as Aknotela, Akothee Homes, and the Akothee Foundation.
Husband and Children
Akothee’s personal life has been full of twists and turns. She got married young after eloping at 14. She lived with her in-laws in Migori County for seven years before being sent away. Although she reunited with her husband, their relationship ended in 2006, leaving her to raise three children alone.
In 2023, she tied the knot with her Swiss fiancé, Denis “Omosh” Schweizer, in a lavish wedding. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last, and the two later separated. Akothee confirmed that the relationship had failed, though she has remained positive about life and love.
She is a mother of five children from different relationships. Her daughters are Vesha Shalian Okello, Celine Dion Okello (Rue Baby), and Prudence Apundo (Fancy Makadia). Her sons are Prince Oyoo and Prince Ojwang, both fathered by foreign partners.
Each of her children is carving out their own success. Vesha manages parts of her mother’s businesses, Rue Baby is a model and influencer, and Fancy Makadia studied in France and is now married.
Despite her busy schedule, Akothee always stresses the importance of family and education. She is open about the struggles she faced as a young mother and often uses her story to inspire other women.
Akothee Net Worth and Houses
Akothee is one of Kenya’s wealthiest celebrities. Her estimated net worth is Ksh 1.3 billion ($10 million). She built her empire through her music career, businesses, and smart investments in tourism and real estate.
Her assets include several luxury cars and lavish homes in Mombasa, Migori County, and even Zürich, Switzerland. These houses reflect her taste for luxury and her hard work over the years.
Her mansion in Rongo, Migori County, is one of her most famous properties. It features a modern design and often hosts family gatherings and charity events. Her Mombasa home is another symbol of her success, offering a luxurious coastal lifestyle.
With her vast wealth, Akothee continues to inspire young entrepreneurs and artists to pursue their dreams without fear.
