When Friendships Turn Public: Ruth K, ‘Bush Tailor’ and the Perils of Airing Dirty Laundry
Nairobi, friendships sometimes end quietly. But when public figures are involved, private conflicts often spill into the spotlight and digital spaces can amplify the fallout. This is the case in the ongoing dispute between influencer Ruth K and her former associate, make-up artist Ann “Bush Tailor” Waithera.
Ruth K Speaks Out
On 24 January 2026, Ruth K issued an official statement to clarify her separation from Bush Tailor. She explained that their relationship began professionally and later developed into a personal friendship. However, it ended on unfavorable terms.
The mother of one revealed that during their friendship, she had allowed Waithera temporary access to her phone to assist with work. Unfortunately, Ruth later discovered that this access was misused. She stated that her former friend tampered with her child Oyando Junior’s social media accounts and even changed the ownership details of Ruth’s own phone, locking her out of it. The email addresses and phone numbers associated with her son’s accounts had been changed, effectively cutting Ruth off from her child’s digital presence.
“I have recently discovered that this phone was used to interfere with and tamper with my multiple social media accounts, including my son’s Instagram and TikTok accounts. As of yesterday, I was unable to log into my son’s account,” Ruth said in her statement. She stressed that she has no ongoing relationship, collaboration, or involvement with Bush Tailor.
Bush Tailor Responds
Following Ruth K’s statement, Bush Tailor released her own video defending herself and her brand. In it, she claimed that Ruth K wanted to speak to her child’s father, comedian Mulamwah, after feeling uncomfortable about his connection with media personality Carrol Sonnie. Bush Tailor alleged that she created content involving the baby crying to help Ruth connect with Mulamwah.
This response sparked heated debate online. While some viewed it as an attempt to justify her actions, others criticized her for publicly airing private moments involving a child.
The Danger of Airing Dirty Laundry
The conflict between Ruth K and Bush Tailor illustrates a recurring pattern among public figures: when personal grievances go public, the consequences extend beyond those involved. In this case:
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Digital boundaries were violated. Social media accounts tied to Ruth K’s child were tampered with, highlighting the risks of giving friends access to personal devices and accounts.
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Reputations can be collateral damage. Both women’s brands and public images have been affected by the dispute.
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Private conflicts become public content. Online audiences consume these disputes as entertainment, often taking sides and spreading rumors.
Lessons for Public Figures
This saga serves as a cautionary tale:
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Protect your digital spaces. Access to phones and accounts should be carefully controlled, especially when a minor is involved.
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Maintain clear boundaries between personal and professional relationships. Mixing the two can lead to conflict when friendships sour.
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Think twice before going public. Once shared online, personal disputes are nearly impossible to retract.
Conclusion
The Ruth K–Bush Tailor conflict underscores the risks of mixing friendship with business, especially in the digital age. When friendships end, airing dirty laundry might generate clicks, but it can leave lasting damage: strained relationships, compromised privacy, and a public narrative shaped more by speculation than fact.
In a world where social media visibility drives both fame and influence, the fallout from broken trust serves as a reminder that not all battles belong online and not every friend should have access to the most intimate corners of your life.
