Former renowned TV personality Louis Armstrong Otieno has broken his silence on the cause of his hearing impairment, shedding light on his challenging journey from stardom to health struggles.
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Otieno, who was once a prominent figure on Kenyan television screens, captivated audiences with his charismatic presence and incisive interviews. He graced various programs across leading stations in Kenya, including KTN, KBC, K24, and Citizen TV. Shows like Newsline, Louis Otieno Live, and This is Louis earned him a dedicated following and solidified his status as a respected media personality.
However, his career screeched to a halt after he was named in murder investigations involving a college student, Careen Kipchumba, in 2012. His reputation was damaged and he lost his job. To compound his problems, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis - a disease that crashed his hearing system.
In conversation with Lynn Ngugi, Otieno addressed misconceptions surrounding the cause of his hearing loss. Contrary to previous reports attributing his condition to his pancreatic issues, Otieno clarified that his hearing impairment did not stem from his pancreatic problems.
Recalling the onset of his hearing loss, Otieno described the sudden and unexpected nature of the ordeal. One moment, he was conversing and listening normally, and the next, he woke up unable to hear anything. His health deteriorated rapidly as his pancreas failed, leading to prolonged hospitalization and surgical interventions.
Reflecting on his hospital stay, Otieno recounted puzzling encounters that hinted at potential foul play. He described a peculiar incident involving a nurse who appeared to administer medication surreptitiously. The nurse, whom Otieno says he had never seen before, allegedly drew the curtains, turned off the TV, and administered something behind him.
“I know for one there are some fights I can’t pick. They must have arranged this one for sure. I like light. A pretty-looking nurse comes in, I had not seen her before. She walks in and says, ‘Why have you refused to sleep?’ So she comes in, puts my TV off, pulls the curtains, and very confidently she says ‘Leo you must sleep’,” Otieno said.
He added that he slept from 10 pm to 7 am, which was unusual for him. He also noticed that his ears were bleeding and his hearing was gone. He suspected that the nurse had injected him with something that affected his hearing.
Otieno said he tried to seek answers from the hospital management, but he was met with hostility and indifference. He said he felt betrayed and abandoned by the people he trusted.
Otieno has been living with hearing loss for over six years now. He said he has been trying to cope with the challenges of communication and isolation. He said he misses hearing music, laughter, and conversations.
He also revealed that he has been struggling financially, as he has no source of income and depends on well-wishers for support. He said he needs Sh4 million to undergo a cochlear implant surgery that could restore his hearing.
He appealed to Kenyans to help him raise the funds and give him a chance to hear again. He said he still has a lot to offer to the society and the media industry.
“I am not asking for pity. I am asking for help. I want to hear again. I want to work again. I want to live again,” Otieno said.
