“My mum has not been herself since I fell sick. Her prayers…!" Akothee updated [Courtesy]

Esther Akoth, better known as Akothee, has been unwell for a while. About a week ago, word on the street had it that her ill health had gotten worse and that she was admitted in hospital.

Even though she did not come out in public to speak about it, her absence from the social scene and slowed social media interaction got her fans worried. She has been using social media as her meet-up point to update the world.

The 38-year-old award-winning singer, social media influencer and business woman has been in and out of hospital since October, last year. In November, she revealed that she had pinched nerves – a condition that occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. It is usually damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves and in Akothee’s case, this has been around her neck and has affected one of her arms. For months, her neck has been on a cervical collar.

“My mum has not been herself since I fell sick. Her prayers…! My mum had to learn to use WhatsApp video call just to see me. The day she called and found me without the neck support changed her life. She told me the next day she had a deep sleep for the first time since October,” the celebrated entertainer and self-declared president of single mothers updated over the weekend.

“If there is a woman who is proud of me is my mother. After all the disappointments and shame I gave her amongst her age mates, while her age mates had disciplined, educated and married girls, hers was divorced, hawking soap, hopeless and jobless - useless with no future and (with) handful of children,” emotionally, she penned.

The mother of five – three daughters and two boys – who owns property at the Coast, Migori County and Zurich lamented how she had caused her mother pain pledging to spare more time for her “once I feel better.”

With the support of her on-and-off boyfriend and former manager Nelly Oaks, Akothee has been working with her doctors towards the fruition of full health since she revealed her suffering late last year.

“I told you I have a pinched nerve on my neck that’s what affected my arm, so I have sessions of physiotherapy to correct it. This thing hurts badly especially at night. I can’t find the correct position to place my neck. My neck feels overburdened, tired and burning like fire,” she updated, posting a photo of her in a prostrate position in a hospital bed, the boyfriend besides her.

With thousands of fans sending messages of good will to her, the talk of Akothee’s health has been a major concern in the local entertainment circle. Only a few friends have been able to see and interact with her. Her phones are hardly picked and she hasn’t been taking media interviews as she explained that she needed a break.

 “This is one woman who has always been there for everyone and everybody. She goes all out and stops at nothing to try make the world a better place. Anytime I see her down, I know it's that time her energy is worn out. Let's all learn to appreciate Esther Akoth Kokeyo.

“If you haven't met Esther, you haven't met an angel yet. Let's all appreciate and thank God for bringing Esther into our lives. I love you Esther @akotheekenya,” Nelly Oaks commented recently.

Akothee and Nelly Oaks moved from a business to a love relationship three years ago following relentless rumours that they were an item, media allegations they had continuously refuted vehemently. Akothee later gave in to media pressure saying she would not mind settling down with him if he proposed to her.

Soon, they went public about their romantic affair with Akothee constantly warning critics against judging them negatively.

"Do not get it twisted, love is a beautiful thing. @nellyoaks is the man in my life now. The rest are my past and left gifts that we share. The cake now belongs to him and him alone. In case we break up, I will be sure to inform you all. I love him to death. I believe and can feel that he loves me too. Having a past failed relationship does not mean I won't date," she defended on her previous love unions.

"I am having two children for him soon. And if he dumps me or whatever the case, he will also belong to my baby daddy list, I will still give him the same love and respect as the rest who left. A friend, a partner, and a soul mate," Akothee charmed.