Public Return Follows Months of Concern

NAIROBI – Prominent Kenyan actress and content creator Esther Chebet has made a definitive return to social media, directly confronting persistent rumours that she had joined a cult following a prolonged and concerning absence from the public eye. The star, celebrated for her role in the popular television series ‘The Real Househelps of Kawangware’ (TRHK), had worried fans and colleagues after deactivating her accounts earlier in the year amid personal and spiritual struggles.

Chebet’s disappearance from her social media platforms, which command a significant following, began around mid-2024. Her silence was preceded by a series of cryptic and alarming posts in June 2024, where she alluded to spiritual troubles. In these messages, she spoke of being involved in an initiation ritual at Kimugu River in Kericho and tapping into what she termed “wrong energies.” She also claimed her life was in danger and mentioned hearing voices. This led to widespread speculation about her well-being, with concerns peaking in January 2025 after media reports highlighted her continued silence.

The actress briefly reappeared online in March 2025 under the new handle ‘Tehuti 777’ before her more recent, formal comeback under her own name, Esther Chebet. In videos and posts published on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, she explicitly denied allegations of cult involvement that had circulated among netizens. When one user on TikTok questioned if she had participated in rituals, Chebet responded by stating she had “went through things” in Kericho but did not directly confirm the user's claim. In another exchange, she told a commenter, “I was not sick, I was in another world.”

A History of Openness on Mental Health

Chebet’s recent ordeal is set against a backdrop of her long and public battle with mental health challenges. In October 2023, she candidly spoke about her struggles with anxiety and depression, which she linked to growing up in a dysfunctional home and the profound trauma of her mother's illness and death. During that time, she revealed she had been hospitalized for two weeks in a mental health facility in March 2023 to receive treatment and medication to stabilize her moods. Her openness has been part of a broader, positive trend of Kenyan public figures using their platforms to destigmatize mental illness.

The Wider Context: Celebrity and Scrutiny in Kenya

The intense public fascination and, at times, intrusive speculation surrounding Esther Chebet's private life underscores the immense pressure faced by celebrities in Kenya’s digital age. Her situation highlights the complex intersection of fame, mental health, and personal spirituality, which often becomes fodder for online gossip and misinformation. While many public figures have courageously shared their vulnerabilities, they also navigate the risk of intense scrutiny and judgment. Chebet's decision to reclaim her narrative and address the rumours directly marks a significant step in her re-entry into public life. Fans have largely responded with messages of support, welcoming her back and expressing hope for her continued recovery and well-being.