Men’s Conference draw participants from as far as Lodwar
Stephen Letoo, the coordinator this year’s Men’s Conference, has expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the event that is ongoing at Carnivore grounds in Nairobi.
According to the veteran journalist the event has attracted participants from as far as Turkana County. In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Mr Letoo said event organisers had planned for 200 and 300 participants, but the number may be surpassed.
Participants are reported to have started streaming to the venue from 2pm for the event that was expected to have started at 4pm.
“The turnout is huge. I am surprised, I have gotten a call from guys from as far as Lodwar and they have just landed at Wilson Airport. I am happy about the turnout. I’m already tension. I foresee about 500 people gracing the event,” Mr Letoo said.
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As part of the event, participants will have free prostate cancer screening.
Mr Letoo is eyeing on the Men’s Conference chairmanship, a position previously held by Uasin Gishu County businessman the late Jackson Kibor.
“You see, what has been happening during Mzee Kibor’s era has been sensational. When I stepped in to take this mantle, I was informed by the mental health issue that is on the rise among men. We run very sad stories, for instance, a man has killed his wife and children, and taken his own life,” he explained.
“So I said, why don’t we start this conversation that men do not want to speak about. That is why we are here (holding men’s conference 2023),” he went on.
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Among the guest speakers lined up for the conference is lawyer, Danstan Omari, who is expected to tackle family law, Dr Frank Macharia of Chiromo Hospital, thespian Ian Mbugua and Mugware Kariuki, London-based chaplain who will attend virtually. There will also be financial experts.
Initially, Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua was also among the speakers but his attendance has been put in doubt following the death of his mother on Tuesday. Dr Mutua was supposed to talk about gender-based violence and the empowerment of the boychild.
Mr Letoo has since condoled with Dr Mutua, promising to visit him after the event.
“I am deeply pained by the loss of his mother. We will stand with him. Dr Mutua has been a great pillar in the society. He has a lot of people who look up to him,” Mr Letoo said.
The event is scheduled to conclude at 8pm after which couples’ dinner will follow with flowers and chocolate for the ladies.