Kenyan content creator Koku Lwanga has made public a series of emotional and serious allegations against her estranged husband, actor and television personality Martin Githinji, widely known as Daddie Marto. In multiple Instagram posts, Lwanga accused the comedian and The Trend co-host of physical abuse, emotional manipulation, infidelity, and financial neglect.
The two, who have gained popularity for their family-centered content and co-parenting dynamic, appear to be living separately within the same residential compound.
“I did not deserve you throwing blows and kicks to my head, neck, and back while I lay on the ground in a fetal position simply because I came to confront you and your side chick,” Koku wrote.
She recounted a confrontation where she allegedly found Marto bringing another woman into his house, which she claims escalated into a violent altercation. According to Koku, the alleged assault took place after she attempted to address the issue outside his residence.
Koku further claimed the abuse had not been limited to one incident, alleging that she endured emotional and financial manipulation during their relationship. She also accused Marto of hacking her digital accounts, gaslighting her, and subjecting her to intimidation.
“The stalking and recording our conversations, the hacking into my account, emails, DMs, WhatsApp… The demanding I pay 20k for living here with the children… I swallowed this very obvious financial abuse,” she wrote.
She shared that she has struggled with depression and financial stress while raising their children and attempting to keep the family intact.
“You literally can build with a man, dedicate all, give all and in a blink you will be reduced to nothing in his eyes. You become as fickle as a paper in the wind. You become a burden, you become something he loathes and wishes away. You become disposable. Oh life, how cruel can you get. I have been depressed and suicidal. Honestly I am not okay. I am frozen. Not knowing if I should go get a P3 or just sit in my shock with my swollen neck and shoulders.”
“You claim not to have money to cater for the household, but you have to fuel your car and go pick up your side chick. I’m sure you have money to take her on dates as well, but no money for the household that you ask me to account for every shilling as if I’m mad to take money meant for the children.”
Koku also described the emotional toll of trying to hold the marriage together despite signs that Marto had already emotionally checked out.
“I know I was not perfect, but I tried. I used to be so ’10 toes down’ for you even your family complained saying, ‘she owns Marto’ as if I ever stopped access to you. And after all, what is wrong about being that way about your husband. But alas, I was alone. My biggest pain is to be so disempowered, I had to swallow so much just to be where my children are. To take up so much just to endure and be where they are.”
“I remember last year when you wanted to leave the first time and I tried to work on it and you said I wanted the marriage too much. You were tight. I thought you said I was smothering with all the pandering I was doing to save my marriage. You had already moved on. No wonder there was nothing I did that was good enough. Nothing, you found fault in every effort and attempt I made at solving things. If only you would have been honest.”
Marto’s Response: “I Reject the Accusations”
On June 16, 2025, Daddie Marto issued a public statement on social media denying all allegations made by Lwanga, calling them “deeply concerning” and “significantly distorted.”
“I want to state unequivocally: I do not condone violence of any kind—physical, emotional, or psychological. I also unequivocally reject being the subject of false and harmful accusations,” Marto said.
He expressed frustration at what he described as a “rewriting of history through slander and public harassment” and emphasized that he would not engage in further public disputes but would pursue resolution through appropriate legal avenues.
“Rather than engage in public confrontations, I believe it is essential to allow the appropriate channels to handle this matter thoroughly, fairly, and with the dignity it deserves,” Marto said, adding: “To my children, please know that I will always be here, present, and honest with you.”
The situation remains under close public scrutiny, with many Kenyans reacting on social media—some offering support to Koku and others calling for due process.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the national GBV helpline 1195 or contact a trusted support organization.
