Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has written a heartfelt open letter to President William Ruto, urging him to address the growing unrest in the country and initiate dialogue with citizens, particularly the youth.
The emotional appeal, shared on her Facebook page, resonates with the concerns of many Kenyans amid rising tensions, economic struggles, and widespread protests.
In her letter, Akothee, identifying herself as a single mother and a voice for women, parents, and entrepreneurs, expressed deep concern over the state of the nation. She described a Kenya gripped by fear, grief, and uncertainty, where families fear for their safety, businesses face disruptions, and the youth feel unheard.
“The streets carry tension. The air is heavy with grief,” she wrote, highlighting the toll recent unrest has taken on the country.
She has called for leadership that listens and fosters stability, emphasizing the need for a safe environment where children can attend school and businesses can operate without fear of looting or lockdowns.
She pointed out the contradiction of promoting Kenya as a tourist destination while images of “burning streets and bleeding youth” dominate global perceptions, threatening the tourism industry and the economy at large.
“As a mother, I understand the cry of these children. Their frustrations. Their hunger to be seen and heard,” Akothee wrote.
She further condemned violence from all sides, stating, “Two wrongs don’t make a right. Violence only deepens the wounds.”
In a powerful plea, she proposed a platform for dialogue, urging the president to open the doors of State House for conversations with these groups.
“Dialogue is not weakness, it is wisdom. Listening is not surrender but it is strength,” she wrote, advocating for peace over pride.
Akothee concluded her letter by calling for an end to demonstrations and the start of meaningful conversations to bridge the gap between the government and the people.
“We are ready to walk our children through the pain caused due to the disconnect between the government and the people. We can still salvage the country,” she affirmed.