Marya Okoth: “There is pressure to appear perfect.”

Marya Okoth, the former partner of comedian YY and mother of one, has shared her experiences of navigating life in the public eye.

In an interview with Nairobi News, she discussed the blessings and challenges that come with fame, her lessons learned from social media, and the impact of having her personal life in the spotlight.

“Social media has completely changed my life. I never thought it could become a source of income or a career path for me. 

It has given me a level of fame I never imagined, but being in the spotlight comes with challenges. You have to live a certain way because people are always watching,” Marya stated.

She emphasized the importance of self-perception amid public scrutiny. 

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t control how people perceive you. While you can shape your actions and carry yourself well, you can’t dictate what others think.”

Marya acknowledged that both positive and challenging moments have shaped her.

“I see both the good and the bad as important reminders of the choices I have made. I don’t want to forget any part of my journey because every moment has contributed to who I am today.”

She also admitted that her career in social media has come at the expense of her personal privacy. 

“One of the biggest sacrifices I’ve made is trading my personal life for my career. Social media requires a certain level of openness, and sometimes that means letting people into your personal space. 

There is also pressure to appear perfect in public. People don’t expect you to make mistakes, and when you do, they’re quick to judge.”

Marya’s candid interview took place two months after she and YY announced their separation on social media in September 2024. 

While Marya has kept a relatively private stance about the split, YY has been more vocal on the subject.

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