‘TOURISM IS STRUGGLING’ AKOTHEE APPEALS TO PRESIDENT RUTO FOR DIALOGUE

Renowned entrepreneur and self proclaimed advocate for single mothers Esther Akoth Kokeyo, popularly known as Akothee, has penned an open letter to President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, calling for national dialogue amid Kenya’s ongoing protests.

In her letter, Akothee, who describes herself as a mother, entrepreneur, and voice for many struggling Kenyans, she called for urgent intervention to restore safety, economic stability, and hope for the youth and families. “Kenya has taken a different shape. The streets carry tension. The air is heavy with grief. And both the family unit and the business environment are under siege… Kenyans are no longer just crying out for change, they are crying out for safety. For stability. For understanding.

“We cannot brand Kenya as a tourist destination when the world sees burning streets and bleeding youth. Tourism is struggling, the economy is hurting, and the hope of our people is slowly fading,” she added.

Akothee proposed a structured dialogue at the State House, beginning with mothers, then parents, and finally the youth, “Two wrongs don’t make a right. Violence, from either side, only deepens the wounds… I am humbly requesting your audience, not just for myself, but for all mothers, parents, and our youth. Give us a platform to speak, to share, to dialogue. Give us a date at the State House, first as mothers, then as parents, then with the youth. Open the door. Let us reason together. I believe dialogue is the way.”

Acknowledging the frustrations of Kenya’s youth, she noted, “As a mother, I understand the cry of these children. Their hunger to be seen and heard. Maybe that’s why they tried to enter Parliament not just to protest, but to be acknowledged.“