How Citizen TV’s Stephen Letoo Became Men’s Conference Chair

Citizen TV senior political reporter Stephen Letoo, broke headlines last year for taking up the mantle and holding a physical men’s conference at Carnivore, championing for men’s rights and issues.

Letoo noting the importance of addressing relevant issues affecting men and the boy child at large, took take charge showcasing his commitment to fostering positive change and mentorship within the Kenyan male community.

For many Kenyan men, the ‘Men’s Conference’ has become a customary affair, offering a humorous contrast to the romantic expectations of Valentine’s Day.

The conference, held on the same day, serves as a platform where men learn how not to conform to certain romantic gestures, cheekily countering the traditional celebration of love.

In essence, attendees are guided on how to avoid behaviors associated with being overly attentive or eager to please, commonly known as “simping.”

The conference also serves as a platform where men address contemporary issues facing them, including the challenges of the ‘boy-child,’ rising divorce rates, and LGBTQ matters among others.

Furthermore, the event also provides a space for men across the country to engage in meaningful discussions and mentorship opportunities.

Stephen Letoo Rise 

Stephen Letoo, was elected chair of the popular yet controversial men’s conference last year.

He, secured a significant victory in the race for the ‘Men’s Conference’ chairman, garnering 10,023 votes in a closely contested election.

The seat fell vacant following the passing of veteran politician and businessman Mzee Jackson Kibor in 2022.

In 2019, Mzee Kibor gained national attention after addressing the first Men’s Conference in Eldoret town during Valentine’s Day.

He then made headlines for family wrangles over his property.

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Also read: Meaningful Ways to Spread Valentines Love

Francis Atwoli, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General, emerged second with 9,087 votes.

The voting process involved both physical and online participation, attracting over 19,000 men discussing topics such as the status of men in society and the way forward.

Albert Kochei, the national convenor of the event, confirmed Letoo as the new chairman, highlighting the impact of social media campaigns and media presence on his success.

“Mr. Stephen Letoo is officially our chairman. The social media and media presence and campaigns appear to work to his advantage,” Mr. Kochei told Nairobi News in an interview conducted last year.

Men’s Conference recognized by the government

The Kenyan government has officially registered the ‘Men’s Conference’.

The conference, previously perceived as a lighthearted event, has now attained full recognition under Kenyan laws, revealed the organization’s chairman, Stephen Letoo.

Letoo described this achievement as a milestone, emphasizing its compliance with the Constitution of Kenya.

“One year since we held our inaugural conference in Carnivore, the men’s conference group has made a milestone and is now fully registered as required by our laws and the constitution,” said Letoo during a press briefing on February 11.

Directive to women

Letoo, in his role as chairman, directed women whose husbands are members of the Men’s Conference to pack their bags on behalf of their partners.

He assured them that the men would be traveling to various destinations for the conference, with an expected return earliest by Sunday evening, February 18.

“I’m directing all women to pack their husbands’ bags in full because we will be designating a lot of members to move out of their destinations and counties to cross border counties to take care of this initiative.”

“So, the earliest you should be expecting your boyfriend, your brother, your father back home is on Sunday evening,” he stated.

Also read: Mens Conference 2024: What You Need to Know About Venues & Program

Letoo emphasized that, given the legal registration of the conference, women should contact the organization’s offices if their husbands fail to return by the specified time, allowing the conference to trace the whereabouts of the participants.

“Failure for them to show up on Sunday evening in their respective homes, you are hereby requested to contact our offices for the Men’s Conference that is at St Georges House first floor room no. 104 along Parliament Road so that we take it upon ourselves to trace them for you,” he added.

He also revealed that this year’s theme is ‘Men and Safety, with a major focus on road safety particularly of boda boda riders.