Photo used for illustration purposes only. Credit:O2O Creative
A Kenyan woman working as a house help in Saudi Arabia has opened up about the emotional and demanding life she faces under her employer, whom she refers to as madam, in a series of social media posts that have since gone viral.
Identified only as Keshie wa Stano, the young worker described the emotional toll of witnessing her boss’s struggles after losing a loved one, saying: “Madam wangu anaishi maisha ya kadama.”
She explained that during her first days in the house, tasks were light, allowing her to observe the family dynamics.
However, the workload increased dramatically once she settled in, particularly after noticing the household was in disarray.
The most shocking moment came when her employer suddenly left the kitchen in tears following a phone call. Keshie recalled,
“Nikashindwa ntafanya nini na siwezi mfuata room yake,” unable to follow or comfort her boss, especially as the employer’s daughters were away at work.
She described how one daughter was careless with chores, neglecting cleanliness and refusing to help around the house.
Tension and sorrow filled the home for days. Keshie observed the madam’s husband trying to console her, while the atmosphere remained heavy with crying and mourning.
“Nyumba ikakaa sasa na moods za kuomboleza since juzi na jana na pia leo,” she said, highlighting the lingering grief that enveloped the household.
In a follow-up post, Keshie revealed the source of her employer’s sorrow. After speaking with one of the daughters, she learned that the madam’s father had passed away in Syria.
Having moved to Saudi Arabia in her 30s and become a citizen, her employer had never returned to her home country due to travel restrictions imposed by the government.
“Since atoke Syria akiwa 30yrs hajawahi rudi,” Keshie explained. “Alipass na again she can’t go to bury her dad. Mazishi ikifanyika kwa video.”
This heartbreaking situation shows not only personal grief but also the harsh reality of expatriates who cannot travel home even in times of family tragedy.
Keshie reflected on the emotional burden, noting how difficult it was to witness her boss’s pain while being unable to offer comfort beyond simple gestures.
For Keshie, the experience has been eye-opening. She describes it as a life of constant work and emotional labor, offering readers a glimpse into what she calls the maisha ya kadama—a life marked by servitude, empathy, and resilience.
“Hii sio rahisi aki,” she added, urging everyone to cherish and protect their parents and children, and to remember the sacrifices of those living and working far from home.