Rising Costs for Music in Businesses!
PAVRISK announced new 2026–2028 fees, increasing costs for playing music or videos, with bars paying Sh10k, DJs Sh20k, matatus Sh5.5k–Sh12k, and top hotels up to Sh600k.
In the wake of profound loss, Rachael Otuoma, the widow of celebrated Kenyan footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, has found herself at the center of a public debate about mourning and moving forward. Ezekiel, a beloved figure who played for AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars, passed away on December 21, 2024, after a prolonged battle with motor neurone disease. His death, which coincided with Rachael’s birthday, left her grappling with immense grief while navigating the expectations of a society quick to judge her next steps.
In a heartfelt TikTok live session on August 5, 2025, Rachael openly addressed the criticism surrounding her new relationship with a man named Jabilo. Her words were raw and unfiltered, reflecting both her resilience and her frustration with those who questioned her choices. “Just because my husband died does not mean I should live in mourning forever,” she declared, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion. “He’s paying the rent; why should he not live with me? He’s the man of the house now.”
Rachael’s journey through grief has been anything but private. As a content creator with a significant online following, her life has unfolded under the scrutiny of thousands. During Ezekiel’s illness, she earned widespread admiration for her unwavering dedication, caring for him through his most challenging moments. She fed him, dressed him, and rallied support for his medical expenses, including a fundraiser that saw contributions from the football and TikTok communities. Yet, after his passing, her decision to embrace a new chapter has sparked mixed reactions.
Some have praised Rachael’s courage to seek happiness again, while others have accused her of moving on too quickly. In response, she pointed out the double standards often imposed on widowed women. “If it were a man, no one would question him moving on,” she said during the livestream, her words striking a chord with many who have faced similar societal pressures. “If it would have been Otuoma, he would have moved on even before I was well.”
Jabilo, her new partner, also joined the conversation during the TikTok session, expressing his frustration with the one-sided criticism he faces. “People keep saying, ‘Jabilo, don’t break Rachael’s heart,’ but no one cares what happens to me if she hurts me,” he said, highlighting the emotional bias he perceives in public reactions. Rachael, however, was quick to defend her supporters, noting their loyalty through her darkest moments. “They know my story. They stood with me when Ezekiel passed on,” she said, emphasizing the bond she shares with her followers.
The livestream, which attracted over 2,000 viewers, also saw Rachael address cultural expectations. She confirmed that she had completed the traditional rituals required of widows in Luo culture, countering speculation that she had neglected these rites. “I’ve done what was needed,” she stated firmly, shutting down claims that her new relationship disregarded tradition.
Rachael’s openness about her healing process has resonated with many, particularly those who understand the complexities of grief. She has been candid about the pain that lingers beneath her public persona. In a previous TikTok session on July 16, 2025, she admitted, “Sometimes I still think he’s calling me from the other room. The pain is still there, even if I don’t show it online.” Her decision to keep Ezekiel’s photographs in her home and retain his surname reflects her commitment to honoring his memory while forging a new path. “That name Otuoma carries weight,” she said. “It will always be part of me.”
The public’s response to Rachael’s journey has been polarized. Some netizens have celebrated her resilience, with comments like, “Let her live, let her breathe; she deserves it.” Others, however, have been less forgiving, questioning the timing of her new relationship. Rachael has remained steadfast, refusing to let criticism dictate her choices. “If you keep watching my life, it will shock you,” she said in a defiant video, addressing those who scrutinize her every move.
Beyond her personal journey, Rachael’s story has sparked a broader conversation about how society views widows and their right to happiness. Her decision to move into a new, stylish home and embrace a new relationship reflects her determination to rebuild. “I can’t sit quietly; it hurts too much,” she confessed, underscoring her need to stay active and engaged to manage her grief.
As Rachael continues to navigate this delicate balance of honoring her past and embracing her future, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to heal after loss. Her courage to live authentically, despite public scrutiny, challenges conventional expectations and invites others to reflect on the complexities of love, loss, and new beginnings.
