This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris defended singer Akothee against the criticism of Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) chair Ezekiel Mutua.
Passaris and Mutua had a heated exchange on KTN's Morning Express, hosted by Michael Gitonga, over Akothee's controversial weekend performance.
Passaris argued that Mutua's strong words were unwarranted, saying that Akothee's performance was in front of a grown audience and her parents, who were present, did not object.
"Her father and her mother were on stage, very proud of their little girl. That is entertainment, that's her profession and business," Passaris said.
She added that Mutua was overstepping his boundaries by trying to dictate how people should live, think, and behave.
"Regulate what you need to regulate for our children. I hope the courts will let us watch 'Rafiki' because I'd like to watch it," Passaris said.
Akothee responded to Mutua's criticism on her Instagram, saying that men should not tell women what to do, and that Mutua should focus on promoting his own music.
