Irene Nekesa, a familiar figure to many Kenyans, has become a social media personality in her own right after working for the Bahati family for nearly seven years. Recently, Irene confirmed widespread rumors that she has parted ways with the family, igniting online speculation about the reasons behind her departure. However, she addressed these rumors head-on in a candid interview on her new YouTube channel, aiming to set the record straight.
For years, Irene’s presence in the Bahati household, especially alongside her former employer Diana Marua, had made her a beloved figure among their social media followers. However, when Irene stopped appearing in Marua’s posts and unfollowed her on social media, fans quickly noticed and speculated about a potential falling-out between the two. In her recent interview with influencers Dem wa FB and Mama County, Irene clarified that her departure was a mutual decision with no ill feelings involved.
“Actually, online it’s only Irene Nekesa with people wondering what happened,” Irene began, addressing the confusion. “In life, you must grow. It’s like a child that is well taken care of by her parents. So, for me, it’s the same. They used to tell me, Irene, work hard. I love Diana and Bahati so much, wherever they are. Please know that si ati tumeachana. It’s just that it reached a point where they said, Irene, you have grown, and now, saa hii, go find your own life and stand on your own.”
Irene’s words indicate that her departure was driven by the natural progression of her career and life goals. Over the years, she has worked hard to establish her own identity and dreams, and now, she sees it as an opportunity to strike out independently. Irene described this transition as one of growth, comparing it to a parent encouraging their child to become self-sufficient.
Addressing questions about unfollowing Diana Marua on Instagram, Irene noted that this was not an intentional statement of bad blood. According to her, it might have been a simple oversight or accident with no ill intent. “No, it wasn’t like that. Even that unfollowing me on IG, maybe it is just by mistake because I haven’t seen that,” she explained, pointing out that she hadn’t even realized this would spark rumors. “So, you know, sometimes, you find…,” she continued, indicating that social media misunderstandings can often happen unintentionally.
In a world where followers and likes often become the measure of relationships, Irene’s clarification sheds light on the potential for misinterpretations, especially when it comes to high-profile personalities.
Throughout the interview, Irene expressed nothing but gratitude for Diana and Bahati, and she emphasized that her time with them helped her reach where she is today. Dismissing online rumors that Diana may have been a difficult employer, Irene said, “Ni mbaya njia gani? Ndio nakuambia tulianzana na Diana kazi vizuri sana, tumelea watoto. That’s why I’m telling you the children are now grown, so me as Irene, nikasema let me open a YouTube channel… There are things I want to push, like doing adverts. So, they said, Irene, you have grown.”
For Irene, the years spent working for the Bahati family were filled with valuable experiences and memories. She added that if the work environment had been anything less than supportive, she wouldn’t have stayed for seven years. This perspective serves to quell doubts about any negativity in her relationship with the Bahati family.
To her fans, Irene’s decision to speak openly was intended to preempt false narratives. She emphasized that her parting from the family was peaceful and amicable. “If there was something, you would have heard it already. I want to tell people the truthsijatoka kwa ubaya. I left peacefully, and I know Mungu will bless them.”
In closing, Irene said she remains open to visiting her former workplace whenever possible, affirming that the bond she shares with Diana and the children remains intact. As she embarks on her new journey, she hopes that her supporters will understand and respect her decision to grow independently. With her own YouTube channel now in place, Irene is stepping into a new chapter, ready to continue engaging with her followers while pursuing her own dreams.