Marya Okoth Opens Up: “I Traded My Personal Life for My Career”

Marya Okoth

Marya Okoth, the influencer and former partner of comedian YY, is breaking her silence about the price she’s paid for her meteoric rise to social media fame. With a successful career as a top-tier brand ambassador and a devoted online following, Marya has lived the kind of life most people only dream about. But in an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, she reveals that the glitz and glamour come with heavy sacrifices—including her privacy and personal happiness.

“Social Media Changed My Life... And Took Part of It Away”

Marya admits that her career in social media was unexpected, but it’s now the backbone of her success.

“Social media has completely changed my life. I never thought it could become a source of income or a career path for me. But being in the spotlight comes with challenges—you have to live a certain way because people are always watching.”

And while fame has opened countless doors, it has also forced Marya to relinquish parts of her personal life:

“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.”

She highlights the pressure of appearing flawless to an often judgmental public:

“People don’t expect you to make mistakes. And when you do, they’re quick to judge.”

Lessons From the Spotlight

Despite the challenges, Marya acknowledges that every step of her journey—good and bad—has shaped who she is today.

“You can’t control how people perceive you. You can only carry yourself well and stay true to who you are. I don’t want to forget any part of my journey because every moment has contributed to who I am today.”

The End of an Era: Her Split From YY

Marya’s candid revelations come just months after her split from comedian YY, with whom she shares a child. Their separation in September 2024 shocked fans, especially given the couple’s perceived stability.

While Marya has largely kept silent about the breakup, YY has been more vocal, offering his perspective in a series of interviews.

In October 2024, YY shared his philosophy on moving forward:

“If you give yourself more than six months after a long-term relationship ends, you’ll never move on. Relationships are a risk, and I’m not doing this for anyone; I’m doing this for me.”

He also dismissed rumors that their union was a casual affair, emphasizing the depth of their bond:

“In as much as we didn’t get married legally, we respected each other. People should not disrespect what we had by calling it a come-we-stay marriage—it was much more than that.”

Moving On

Marya’s story is a poignant reminder of the complexities behind the seemingly perfect lives of influencers. Fame, success, and even relationships aren’t always as picture-perfect as they appear. While she’s traded parts of her personal life for her career, Marya remains determined to navigate the challenges of life in the spotlight with grace and authenticity.