Nairobi – October 27, 2025

Kenyan singer and businesswoman Akothee has once again sparked national conversation — this time about how Kenyans bury their dead. In a recent viral video, the outspoken artist declared that she wants a simple funeral with no cooking, no feasting, and no fanfare.

“On my burial, no food. When I die, hakuna kupika. Eat, carry your packed lunch,” she said with characteristic candour. “How do you people even afford to eat at funerals by the way? Kama unataka kukula, muanze kucontribute mkule huko kwenyu. Msikuje kusumbua watu wa kwetu ati mnataka kukula.”

Her blunt remarks lit up social media, dividing opinion. Some praised her for confronting what they called “wasteful traditions,” while others accused her of mocking deeply rooted African customs.

“Bury Me in 48 Hours”

The viral clip follows another revelation from the self-styled President of Single Mothers. Earlier this week, Akothee urged her family to bury her within 48 hours of her death — even if she dies abroad.

“Please bury me in 48 hours. If it finds me abroad, don’t struggle to bring my body back,” she wrote on social media.

Her reasoning is simple: funerals, she says, have become too expensive and emotionally exhausting for families already grieving. “Death is for the living,” she wrote. “Let people live their lives instead of mourning me with extravagance.”

Questioning Cultural Expectations

Akothee’s comments have struck a nerve in a country where funerals are more than farewells — they are community events, often stretching over several days, with food, music, and large gatherings. In many Kenyan households, these ceremonies can cost hundreds of thousands of shillings, leaving families in debt.

By rejecting those traditions, Akothee is taking aim at what she sees as societal pressure to perform grief. Her stance — both pragmatic and provocative — has drawn applause from some who view her as a truth-teller unafraid to challenge norms.

“She’s saying what many people think but fear to say,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Funerals have become competitions. It’s time we rethink them.”

A Life Lived Loudly

Born Esther Akoth, Akothee has built her public image on defying convention — from her music to her personal life. She has raised five children largely on her own, built a business empire, and carved a space for herself as one of Kenya’s most outspoken celebrities.

Her latest statements, though controversial, align perfectly with her philosophy of living on her own terms. Whether addressing relationships, motherhood, or money, Akothee remains unapologetically herself — even in planning for death.

For her, simplicity isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s a legacy. “Live fully,” she seems to say, “and when it’s time to go, don’t make it complicated.”