Akothee pens heartfelt letter against police brutality
Kenyan singer and businesswoman Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, has made a powerful and emotional appeal condemning police brutality in the wake of recent protests across the country.
Taking to her social media platforms, the outspoken celebrity expressed deep anguish and frustration over the growing number of young Kenyans injured or killed during demonstrations, particularly during the recent Saba Saba protests held on July 7th, 2025.
“How many more must die before you listen?” Akothee questioned, urging the government and security agencies to respect the rights of citizens and to protect—rather than harm—those voicing their concerns.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Akothee, a mother and advocate for youth empowerment, lamented the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, many of whom belong to the country’s vibrant and increasingly vocal Gen Z movement. The protests, sparked by public outrage over the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024, have transformed into a broader demand for government accountability, economic justice, and an end to police violence.
In her plea, Akothee emphasized the courage of the youth standing up for their future:
“These are our children. Our brothers. Our sisters. Our future. They are not criminals—they are Kenyans asking to be heard. They deserve protection, not bullets.”
She also shared disturbing images and stories circulating online, highlighting the gruesome injuries sustained by young demonstrators, some of whom were reportedly shot at close range or beaten by police officers and unknown assailants.
Call to Leaders and the Police
Akothee directly addressed Kenya’s political leadership, including President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, imploring them to intervene and stop the bloodshed.
“We cannot call ourselves a democratic nation if citizens are met with violence every time they speak up. This is not leadership—this is a betrayal of the people,” she wrote.
She also urged the National Police Service to remember their constitutional role as protectors of life and property, not instruments of fear and repression.
Echoing a Growing Outcry
Akothee joins a chorus of activists, artists, and civil society leaders who have spoken out in recent weeks, calling for justice for those who have lost their lives or been injured during the demonstrations.
Human rights organizations like the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have reported dozens of deaths and injuries across multiple counties, while social media continues to flood with first-hand accounts of abductions, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation of protestors.
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A Mother’s Perspective
Known for her candid and no-nonsense approach to social issues, Akothee framed her plea not only as a celebrity but as a mother worried about her own children’s safety in the current climate.
“Today it is someone else’s child. Tomorrow it could be mine. We cannot remain silent. We must speak out until they listen.”
Her message has resonated with many, drawing widespread support from fans and fellow public figures alike who see her stand as part of a larger push for justice and national healing.
As Kenya grapples with mounting political tension and growing demands for reform, voices like Akothee’s continue to remind the nation of the human cost of silence—and the power of speaking out.
A CRY FROM A HELPLESS MOTHER
