Kenyan gospel artist Stephen Kasolo has publicly apologized to fellow musician Stella Mengele following a protracted period of online disputes and legal confrontations. This apology marks a significant turn in their tumultuous relationship, which has garnered considerable attention within the Kenyan gospel music community.
The discord between Kasolo and Mengele intensified when Kasolo allegedly made defamatory remarks about Mengele during a TikTok livestream. These comments led Mengele to pursue legal action, accusing Kasolo of cyberbullying and defamation. In response, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intervened, summoning both artists and issuing a seven-day ultimatum to resolve their differences amicably or face legal consequences.
Despite mediation efforts, the two parties failed to reach a consensus, resulting in Kasolo’s arrest and subsequent charges of defamation, cyber harassment, and incitement to harm. The situation escalated further when fans from both camps gathered at the Athi River Police Station, underscoring the public’s vested interest in the dispute.
In a heartfelt statement, Kasolo expressed remorse for his actions and extended an apology to Mengele, acknowledging the distress caused by his remarks. He also urged his supporters to refrain from discussing the matter further and to avoid making disparaging comments online. Kasolo emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and highlighted his commitment to fostering unity within the gospel music fraternity.
This incident is not the first time Kasolo has faced public scrutiny for his behavior. In a previous episode, he apologized after a video surfaced showing him threatening his young daughter over a minor mishap. The video sparked widespread condemnation, prompting Kasolo to seek forgiveness from his family and fans and to pledge better conduct in the future.
As the gospel music community reflects on these events, there is a collective hope that such public disputes can serve as lessons on the importance of respectful communication and conflict resolution. Both artists have been encouraged to move forward with a renewed focus on their musical contributions and to exemplify the values they promote through their work.
