Henry Ole Kulet, a prolific Kenyan author, in his text ‘Blossoms of the Savannah” suggests that ‘women are like cows that need to be dehorned to avoid accidental injuries’. I do not know how true this statement is but the Kenyan musician Akothee’s drama nearly proved it. Dressed in a revealing green micro miniskirt, she paraded her goodies before all sundry at a “members only” restaurant located in Parliament. This led to an ensuing confrontation between the adamant Kenyan musician and parliament orderlies that lasted five minutes.
MEETING
Esther Akoth popularly known by her stage name Akothee was going for a meeting with the nominated Member of parliament Mr David Sankok when security officials at parliament denied her entry until she covered her nudity! The sergeants at arm milled around her as one female security personnel blocked her way. She only sought entry into the “members only” restaurant.
LESO
Akothee was consequently offered a leso to cover her too tempting thighs. The controversial musician however stubbornly declined. It took the intervention of Honourable Rachel Nyamai (Member of Parliament for Kitui) and Soipan Tupa (women representative for Narok County) to win her over. She was later whisked off quickly through the back door.
DRESS CODE
The speaker of the National Assembly recommends that Members and any other person seeking entry to parliament should be properly dressed. The term properly dress implies a collar, coat, tie, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, socks and a pair of shoes for males. Women, on the other hand, are expected to spot formal or business wear.
ADDRESSING THE MEDIA
Akothee’s attempts to reach out to the media put her in more trouble. According to the rules, it is wrong for a non-member to address the media within Parliament, but Akothee just did it without blinking!
AKOTHEE’S SAY
The musician argues that the only problem is her exceptionally tall legs. “My legs are taller than my skirt,” Akothee says. She further added that the meeting was very crucial. Its agenda was to help her noble foundation “Akothee Foundation.” The foundation is aimed at reducing cases of starvation and death in Turkana. She further added that that was her best!
AKOTHEE FOUNDATION
Akothee Foundation was launched by the singer in Turkana months after she paid a visit to the hunger-stricken residents of Turkana County. The musician seeks to reach out, touch lives and make a difference. ”If you can’t feed people then try and feed one person” is her slogan. It further seeks to empower girls by providing them with sanitary towels. “By giving them pads, we are giving them wings,” says Akothee.
HONOURABLE SANKOK’S DEFENCE
The MP defended Akothee saying it was unfair to embarrass her. The whole drama was uncalled for since he was the one who picked her at the gate so that she can share her vision about her campaign. Hence despite the too-long legs, Akothee’s aim was beyond reproach. It is just that her legs need some hemming.
