The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has denounced remarks made by Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Phanice Naliaka against Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi Walubengo and called for a retraction and public apology.
In a statement on Sunday, March 30, KEWOPA condemned the remarks in which Naliaka alluded that since Walubengo's community was known to circumcise women, she saw herself as equal to men. "KEWOPA is deeply concerned by the remarks made by Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member Phanice Naliaka, which trivialize women's leadership and reinforce harmful stereotypes," part of the statement read. "Such statements are not only disrespectful but also detrimental to the fight for gender equality and the eradication of harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)." Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Photo KEWOPA The female association further emphasised that the women in leadership should not engage in such outdated perceptions but be defined by their vision, competence and dedication to service.
KEWOPA reiterated the harmful nature of FGM, which is already globally recognised as a violation of human rights, and no woman should be subjected to stigma or discrimination based on her background.
