Veteran rapper Kennedy Ombima alias King Kaka and Nana Owiti took many people by surprise on December 17, 2024, when they announced the end of their relationship.
The two former lovebirds announced they had parted ways in a joint statement posted on their respective social media handles.
“We honestly never thought we would one day write a statement like this but life happens. After much reflection and consideration we have made the difficult decision to end our relationship.
“Over the course of 13 years, we have shared countless memories, built a life together and most importantly raised three incredible children who will always be our top priority.
“This decision was not made lightly and we remain deeply committed to maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship as we move forward separately. As public figures, we recognize that our personal lives may attract attention but we kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this time as we navigate this transition as a family,” Nana and King Kaka said.
The two said they are now focused on co-parenting to raise their three children.
“Our focus remains on co-parenting our children with love, stability and respect. They are the heart of everything we do and their happiness and well-being will always come first. We are grateful for the love and support we have received throughout our journey together and we ask for your continued kindness as we take this next step.
“This is a joint decision made with mutual respect and we look forward to embracing to he future as individuals while continuing to co-parent with the same partnership and dedication we’ve always had. Thank you for respecting our privacy,” they said.
King Kaka and Nana’s 13-year journey was filled with highs and challenges that resonated with fans across the country.
Here are five major highlights from their marriage that captured the hearts of many:
1. Overcoming health challenges together
One of the defining moments of their marriage was Nana’s unwavering support during King Kaka’s health struggles.
King Kaka nearly died in 2021 after he was misdiagnosed.
Doctors gave the rrapper 30 days to live but by the grace of God, he managed to recover against all odds.
King Kaka stepped out in September 2021 after a long period of absence from showbiz to announce that he had been ill for three months.
In a post on social media, the ‘Wajinga Nyinyi’ singer asked his fans to always pray for good health.
He admitted that it had been challenging for him, frequently going in and out of the hospital.
“Hospitali ceilings are really boring, always pray for good health,” King Kaka wrote.
He said he had been sick for more than three months after he was misdiagnosed.
“I was misdiagnosed. Lost 33kgs and in the process, we started hospital visits. Did all the tests and they were negative. Funny thing is I feel no pain and we are still hopeful we will get the solution soon,” King Kaka shared.
The rapper said that doctors managed to narrow down his condition to HLH, sepsis, or blood infection and was given medication around that diagnosis.
“We did all sorts of tests still and almost settled on a condition called HLH and around sepsis and blood infection that makes you lose appetite and all sorts of things.”
Even though King Kaka fought hard to get better and be reunited with his family, he admitted to having thought about death and whether he would succumb to his ailment.
”As much as I am a fighter, there is a feeling that even if you try to fight, you can’t avoid it. I tried do much to fight it, like the first two days I thought let me fight it but on that third day that I started hallucinating I think it was a mixture of so many things and death was among them,” he said.
On January 28, 2022, King Kaka confessed that doctors had given him 30 days to live.
“Xray showing niko na cavity kwa my 2 lungs Bado. Walinipa 30 days niishi that was 4 months ago,” King Kaka wrote.
Nana stood by King Kaka’s side, becoming his caregiver, cheerleader, and source of strength during his health struggle.
Her dedication to his recovery showcased their deep bond and inspired many, as she consistently shared encouraging updates with their fans.
2. Parenting three incredible children
King Kaka and Nana are proud parents to three children who were the centre of their lives.
They often shared glimpses of their parenting journey, highlighting their commitment to raising their kids with love and stability.
Whether it was celebrating birthdays, attending school events, or simply spending quality time as a family, the couple’s devotion to their children was evident and deeply admired by their followers.
3. Public display of partnership and love
The former couple’s chemistry and partnership were undeniable. From red-carpet events to intimate Instagram posts, King Kaka and Nana celebrated their love publicly.
They often expressed appreciation for each other in heartfelt messages on social media, inspiring fans with their partnership and teamwork.
Their love story was a reminder of the beauty of friendship and mutual respect in marriage.
4. Joint advocacy for mental health and wellness
Both King Kaka and Nana Owiti used their platforms to advocate for mental health awareness.
Nana, in particular, was open about her own mental health journey and encouraged others to seek help and prioritize self-care.
Their candidness about mental wellness sparked important conversations and offered hope to many who faced similar struggles.
5. Building a legacy beyond music
While King Kaka’s music career flourished, the couple also ventured into philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
The King Kaka Foundation, focusing on youth empowerment and education, became a significant part of their legacy.
Nana supported these endeavours while pursuing her own media career, showcasing the power of a united front in pursuing shared goals.
Their ability to balance personal and professional aspirations set a strong example for many couples.
6. Cheating scandal
Nana Owiti once ended her relationship with King Kaka after he cheated on her with singer Sage Chemtai, with whom he fathered a child.
King Kaka impregnated Nana Owiti and Sage almost around the same time and they both gave birth just weeks apart.
Sage gave birth to her daughter Ayanna on March 28, 2014, while Nana gave birth to her daughter Gweth on April 16, 2014.
Nana in a radio interview opened up about how she dumped King Kaka on finding out that he had cheated on him and impregnated Sage.
The mother of three said she was devastated when she discovered King Kaka’s infidelity and chose to break up with him for seven months.
“It was almost like an ultimate betrayal. We actually broke up for seven months before getting back together,” Nana Owiti said while speaking with Massawe Jappani on Radio Jambo.
Nana reunited with King Kaka after he apologised for impregnating Sage.
“The only reason I stayed after what he did, is because of what transpired after. He said sorry. We are all at fault; we all have baggage ….his mistake was cheating on me. I had my faults too,” she said.
