In an era where every personal choice is magnified under the unforgiving lens of social media, Esther Musila has emerged as a voice of defiance and self-assurance. The 55-year-old wife of gospel singer Guardian Angel has been navigating waves of online criticism over her marriage to the 34-year-old hitmaker of Nimependa.
Despite the scrutiny, she has remained steadfast, speaking candidly about the pressures of public judgement and the resilience required to live life on her own terms.
Esther and Guardian Angel wed in a private ceremony in 2022. While the couple has no children together, they co-parent three adult children from Esther’s previous marriage. It is this blended family dynamic, coupled with their significant age difference, that has drawn relentless attention and online derision. Yet Esther has refused to let the trolling define her life.
Online backlash
Recently, she took to Instagram to address the ongoing interrogation of her private choices, arguing that society’s culture of digital hostility must be met with firmness rather than avoidance. Her decision to speak out comes after years of criticism, which she notes tends to spike whenever she gains media attention. “I probably have been trending for the right or wrong reasons, depending on how you think. It is sad that people have to be bullied for their life choices. People can now be bullied because of how old they are, but society will keep quiet,” Esther wrote on Instagram.
She continued, blending humour with righteous indignation: “That ooh…I am dealing with haters and they will drag you in the mud, so don’t respond to them. Kwa sababu wataniabisha. Niulize, wanataka niaibike juu nilizaliwa kitambo? Niaibike kwa sababu niliolewa na mume wangu?”
Esther categorically rejected the notion that she is a victim, describing the persistent online antagonism as unprovoked. She emphasised that her social media presence primarily documents her fitness routines and daily life, not activities that warrant public censure.
Some Kenyans have rallied in support. Gospel singer Lady Bee took to social media to encourage her, writing: “You’re such an amazing sister, friend, mother and wife, and I want you to know that wewe sio whatever they say, najua unajijua. Continue living your life, jibambe kabisa. Bwana Yesu ndio wetu sote, but wako wakuachie.”
Speaking to The Nairobian, Esther reminded critics to focus on their own lives rather than intruding on hers. “It’s high time, and very important, for people to mind their own business. It’s the only business that doesn’t require capital. People should focus on themselves because my life will continue, and I will be well with my family,” said the mother of three. “The effort they are putting into discussing me—if they channelled it into their own lives—it would probably do them some good.”
Yet she acknowledged the positive side of social media, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from thoughtful, mature followers who have taken time to understand her reality. Many critics, she explained, comment merely to gain attention or traction online, often without knowing the full story. “I am so amazed by the kind of support I have received from intellectual, mature people. The support has been overwhelming and has lifted my spirits. A lot of people don’t want to understand, and the more they talk about Esther Musila, the more views and traction they get—yet they don’t even know the full story,” she said.
“It’s just overwhelming. People call me to encourage me and remind me to continue being myself.”
Humour has also tempered her response. Despite the constant online jabs, Esther emphasised that she has never faced physical threats from detractors. “Who would dare? You never know if I have a black belt in karate,” she quipped.
Esther advised fellow Kenyans experiencing cyberbullying or harassment not to remain silent. She believes staying quiet often causes more harm, noting that many people are too afraid to speak out for fear the attacks will worsen.
However, she warned that bottling up emotions can be dangerous and may even lead to loss of life. “There are people who are unable to speak out because of intimidation and fear that they will be bullied more. I would tell them: just be yourself and don’t be afraid. Speak out,” she said.
“For me, silence is not a response—it actually kills you more. Some people bottle things up and can’t take it anymore, leading to suicide. I am not a coward. I know my rights and my choices in life, so I shouldn’t be afraid to express myself,” she added.
Esther further clarified that public negativity has not affected her mental health, crediting her strength to God’s grace. She compared herself to Queen Esther in the Bible, citing her composure and courage. “This is not a scandal, like stealing someone’s husband. This is a choice I made in my life, and that’s why I speak out and tell people to mind their business,” she emphasised.
She questioned why strangers are so invested in her private life. “It’s a bit annoying that some people are focused on my life when it doesn’t benefit them in any way,” she said.
Following the interview, Esther noted that her husband, Guardian Angel, has requested privacy.