Sueh Owino, the Kenyan culinary sensation who took the internet by storm in late 2023, is doing things differently. While many influencers chase the glitz of city luxury, Sueh and her husband have opted for a more grounded lifestyle.
During a recent episode of Feast With Friends with host Nick Kwach, the chef and content creator opened up about their decision to build a traditional mud house.
The revelation comes as Sueh continues to captivate millions with her elaborate "POV: Cooking for my husband" videos.
A Vision of Calmness
For Sueh, the move wasn’t a sudden whim. It was a choice rooted in her upbringing. Having grown up in Mombasa, she felt a natural pull towards a slower pace of life.
“It goes back to when people align. I don’t know if it’s having common mindset, because me coming from the Coast, I used to go to my grandmother’s house, in her makuti house and I’m like ‘wow’. I just love that staying in a makuti house,” she said.
She explained that she craved the "calmness" and "low vibe" that often eludes the chaotic nature of city living.
"I think growing up I really used to go to [the village]... that calmness, that low vibe... it just blends in nicely," she told Kwach.
The Science of a Modern Mud House
Settling for a mud house was a joint decision made with her husband. Sue noted that they both "align" in their desire for traditional living. However, this is not just any mud structure.
The couple spent significanttime researching sustainable building techniques. They settled on an earthen plaster finish. This is a specific mixture of mud, water, sand, and rice straw.
The technical benefits were a major selling point. Sue highlighted the concept of "breathable walls" to help manage the heat of their location. The house also features an earthen floor that is both waterproof and moppable.
The Viral Journey
Sue’s rise to fame was rapid but calculated. She revealed that her viral moment in late 2023 was the result of meticulous planning with her husband and creative team.
One of her most famous videos—cooking meat underground—took three months of logistics and preparation.
"We had planned for this content... we knew exactly how we wanted it," she said.
Critics often wonder if her lifestyle is merely for the cameras. Sue was quick to clarify that there is no distinction between her online persona and her real life.
"The content I'm showing is what I do," she stated. This authenticity extends to her food. She is currently working on a food album titled This is Kenya, which explores the traditional cooking cultures of different ethnic groups across the country.
While her mother-in-law was initially surprised by the choice to live in a traditional way, she eventually embraced the beauty of the project. For Sueh, the mud house is more than just a home; it is a commitment to an eco-friendly and sustainable future.
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