Kenyan digital creator Rachael Otuoma has become the focus of public speculation once again, with rumors swirling about a possible new relationship.
Months after the passing of her husband, renowned footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, Rachael has been seen growing closer to Kenyan-U.S.-based TikToker Menace. Their frequent appearances together on TikTok live sessions have fueled curiosity, especially as Rachael playfully refers to him as “my man, my man, my man.” At one point, she even encouraged fans to follow Menace, jokingly calling him their ‘new shemeji’ (brother-in-law), which only added to the speculation.
While some believe she has moved on, others remain skeptical, reminding her of the emotional promise she made during her late husband’s funeral to keep her wedding ring on in his memory. The public has had mixed reactions, with some criticizing what they perceive as moving on too soon, while others defend her right to find happiness on her own terms.
Addressing the speculation in an interview on April 1, Rachael denied any romantic involvement with Menace, insisting that they are just close friends. She declined to elaborate further on their bond. However, shortly after the interview, Menace posted a video of Rachael enjoying a meal at a modern restaurant. The video, set to a trending love song, only added to the ongoing speculation about the true nature of their relationship.
Further fueling curiosity, prior to the interview, the two had gone live on TikTok, where Menace encouraged her to remain strong and be mindful of her responses. His words of advice and support led many to believe that their relationship may be deeper than mere friendship.
Rachael has remained resilient despite the criticism she has faced. Many have questioned whether she is moving on too quickly, but she has made it clear that she will live her life the way she chooses. She has also reiterated her deep love for Ezekiel Otuoma, expressing doubt that she could ever love anyone the way she loved him.
“It’s my life. Let people talk and judge, but it’s my life. I will mourn my husband in my own way, not how someone else did. I don’t think I will ever love anyone the way I loved Otuoma. There are many men who want me, but it will never be the same. I don’t want to be loved,” she stated firmly.
During her husband’s burial, she made an emotional vow to keep her wedding ring on forever as a tribute to him. At the time, she expressed that the ring would always remain on her finger because her husband would always be in her heart. She acknowledged that marriage had its challenges, but she stayed with Otuoma because of the love they shared and the respect she had for him.
When questioned about this promise, Rachael clarified that her vow was about the ring and not about never loving again. She continues to wear both her wedding ring and her late husband’s, emphasizing that they will always be a part of her. She also intends to keep the name Rachael Otuoma permanently, stating that it holds deep meaning for her.
“My man will always remain in my heart forever. I know the ring may be an issue to someone else because it will never come off my finger. Even my name, Rachael Otuoma, will stay forever. Otuoma gave me that name, and I will keep it,” she affirmed.
Despite all the speculation, Rachael has made it clear that she will not let public opinion dictate her life. Whether her connection with Menace is purely friendship or something more remains uncertain, but she is determined to move forward on her own terms.
