Musician and businesswoman Esther Akoth has shared the importance of having her mum by her side through her entire life.

Growing up as a rebellious girl, Akothee narrates how she dropped out of school just to get married at the tender age of 13.

”This strong woman has witnessed me leave her home in defiance—a truly rebellious girl at the age of 13. I made her cry painful tears when I walked away from a fully paid education at Nyabisawa to get married. Yet, she never gave up on me. Even when everything went wrong in my first marriage, she remained steadfast as my mother. While I’ve found success in other areas, I still struggle with relationships. I know that every time I’m hurting, it hurts her too. She is my mother, and that will never change. I am also her daughter, and that will never change,” Akothe started off.

She further used her story to emphaize on the importance of having a mother; adding that they raise children differently and it should be embraced.

”To the Gen Zs out there, as you grow older, you will come to understand the importance of having a mother. We, as millennials, also felt that we weren’t treated as we wished, but that was then—things have changed with time. In our day, there was no room for negotiation; if you were told to go south, you’d start running even before the words were fully spoken.”

Akothee adviced the Gen Z’s to respect their parents regardless of their flaws.

”So, give your parents the respect and love they deserve. They gave birth to you and made you who you are. If you feel they hurt you, try to heal and embrace them. There are things they’ve been through that, if they ever opened up to you about, you might regret the harsh words you’ve thrown at them. Handle them with care,” she concluded.

Akothee’s advice comes at a time when the Gen Z’s have gained popularity for their courage in voicing out their grievances to leaders.