'It wasn't me!' Akothee's close confidant Nelly Oaks addresses claims of exploting staff at Karen nightclub

Thursday night, a popular Instagram gossip channel reported that the soft-spoken businessman and internet personality was being accused by staff at the newly-opened 727 restaurant of misconduct and employee exploitation. 

"Akothee’s ex-boyfriend Nelly Oaks exposed by his employees at his 727 restaurant and bar for mismanagement, exploiting staff and not paying them their dues," the outlet wrote.

But in a statement shared with Citizen Digital, Nelly Oaks absolved himself from any wrongdoing, saying that, first, he was not actually the real owner of the said premises and that he had himself terminated all business ties with the establishment at least three weeks ago.

"I have no formal association with 727 Bar and Restaurants or previous owners. I only came in as a marketing consultant of which the investment opportunity was presented. However, the place did not fit my brand standards and I have no binding commitments to employees of the place, " he said. 

Nelly's statement went on to say that he did not have any direct interaction with any of the establishment's employees and that he was only aware of an ongoing break-in case which happened after he had left. 

"I did not interview anyone. I distance myself from any formal administrations or mismanagement. What I do know is there is a current case of breaking in reported that happened last week and that was after me ending my engagements," he added.

In a follow-up call with this writer, Nelly reiterated that he had no current deals with the establishment, adding that, after analysing their offer, he chose to walk away.

"The misconception is, I'm the owner of the place. I am not. I do not even know any of these aggrieved employees personally. I was approached by the management of the place to be a partner. After thinking it through, I declined the offer. In fact, I've not been part of the premises for close to a month now, " he said.

An astute business head himself, Nelly runs a string of businesses across Nairobi and Mombasa and was recently one of the main guests at Akothee's daughter's own club launch in upmarket Nairobi.