George William Ochieng Awili, the father of late Arbantone musician Stoopid Boy, has defended media personality and podcaster Oga Obinna following criticism directed at him after the artist’s death.
Obinna faced backlash online, with some Kenyans questioning whether his platform may have contributed to the struggles of entertainers who had appeared on his show.
Some social media users also linked the podcaster to the mental health struggles of public figures he has hosted, particularly artists who were already facing difficulties.
However, Awili dismissed the claims and said Obinna should not be blamed for his son’s struggles or death.
The grieving father said Stoopid Boy had battled depression long before he met or interacted with Obinna.
According to Awili, the podcaster instead tried to support the musician and offered assistance during a difficult period in his life.
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“Sitaki Obinna aharibiwe jina. He played his part in trying to help my son,” Awili said.
He appealed to Kenyans to stop attacking Obinna online, saying speculation and blame would only cause further distress to the family as they mourned.
Awili also asked the public to give the family space to grieve and allow them to focus on giving Stoopid Boy a respectful send-off.
He further requested that the musician be buried peacefully at his ancestral home in Alego.
The debate comes amid renewed concern over mental health in Kenya’s entertainment industry, following the deaths and struggles of several artists, including former Sailors Gang member Shalkido and Stoopid Boy.
Obinna has since responded to the criticism, saying he would not be intimidated into shutting down his platform. He maintained that he would continue giving people facing mental health challenges an opportunity to speak, be heard and seek support.