MPs have been urged to reject the nomination of Hannah Wendot Cheptumo as Cabinet Secretary for Gender.
Kenyans on social media, along with human rights organisations and women's rights advocates, are calling on lawmakers to dismiss Cheptumo's nomination following controversial remarks she made about femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
While responding to questions on how she would address the alarming rise in femicide, particularly among university students, Cheptumo suggested that victims were partly to blame, claiming many young women fall prey because they are "looking for money." Her comments have sparked a firestorm of criticism, especially considering the role she is seeking-leading the ministry responsible for protecting women and vulnerable groups from violence and exploitation.
Ironically, her remarks come at a time when President William Ruto's administration is working towards lasting solutions to the GBV crisis through a newly constituted Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, including femicide.
