Award-winning Kenyan food and lifestyle influencer Akoko Val, whose real name is Akoko Valery Oyugi, has announced the arrival of her second child, a baby boy.
The content creator gave birth on September 17, 2026, but kept the news private for a month before sharing a video documenting her experience at the hospital. Akoko took her followers through the emotional journey, from preparing to leave home as her contractions intensified to the eventual delivery of her son.
Although she initially hoped to give birth naturally, complications during labour led doctors to perform an emergency Caesarean section. Sharing the video on social media, the influencer expressed her joy at finally meeting her newborn son.
“Finally got to meet our baby boy,” she wrote, explaining that she had laboured for hours before undergoing an emergency C-section.
Akoko Val labour and delivery experience
The video diary began on the morning of September 17, when Akoko prepared to leave home at 9.25am as her contractions became stronger. Before heading to the hospital, she shared her anxiety about the delivery and showed a rosary gifted to her by her mother-in-law, which she planned to use as she prayed.
“Have my rosary. This was a gift from my mom-in-law. I’m going to pray, of course. I’m scared,” she said.
Upon arriving at the hospital, medical staff examined her and established that she was three centimetres dilated. By 4pm, her contractions were still manageable as healthcare workers monitored the baby’s heartbeat. Her labour progressed into the evening, with her waters breaking at 7.12pm when she had reached four centimetres dilation.
As the hours passed, the pain became increasingly difficult to bear. By 9.30pm, she was experiencing severe discomfort while undergoing monitoring.
“I feel so much pain. I feel like my back is on fire,” she said.
Despite spending hours in labour, Akoko eventually underwent an emergency Caesarean section to facilitate the delivery. Following the procedure, the influencer expressed gratitude for the arrival of her son, reflecting on the challenging experience and the joy of welcoming her newborn.
“All in all, our hearts are full,” she said.
