Rights groups push for Cheptumo’s exit after femicide remarks

Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Hanna Cheptumo is facing growing criticism from women’s rights advocates who want her nomination withdrawn, citing what they describe as deeply concerning remarks made during her vetting.

A coalition of 15 lobby groups has asked President William Ruto to reconsider her appointment, accusing her of failing to understand the seriousness of gender-based violence in Kenya.

The joint statement released on Wednesday, April 16, came just two days after Cheptumo appeared before the National Assembly’s vetting committee.

During her session, she made comments linking femicide to financial dependence, triggering outrage across the country.

"Femicide is brought about by dependency. If girls were able to have economic power, they would not depend on either gender. If a woman is educated, chances are that they will avoid some of these challenges in society," Cheptumo said.

She also suggested that most victims of femicide were not educated.

Her remarks, made on Monday, April 14, were widely condemned by both leaders and ordinary Kenyans, who described them as out of touch and harmful.

The 15 rights organisations, operating under the name ‘Coalition Against Sexual Violence,’ said her statements showed a poor understanding of the complex issues surrounding femicide.

"Cheptumo’s words were a gross mischaracterisation of the problem and demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the systemic nature of gender-based violence in Kenya," the coalition said in its joint statement.

The lobby groups argued that her remarks amounted to victim-blaming and risked sending the wrong message to the public.

"It amounts to victim-blaming, suggesting that women are responsible for their violent deaths. This is not only factually incorrect but also deeply offensive and harmful," they said.

According to the coalition, Cheptumo’s comments failed to acknowledge the deeper issues that drive cases of femicide and instead blamed the victims themselves.

They expressed concern that her views were not only insensitive but could undermine efforts to address gender-based violence in the country.

"We therefore call for the immediate withdrawal of Hannah Cheptumo’s nomination for the role of Gender Cabinet Secretary for the reasons stated above. Her statements demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding gender-based violence and a failure to protect women’s rights," the coalition stated.

The group also made several demands to the government beyond the withdrawal of the nominee.

These included calls for the introduction of broad and long-term solutions to address violence against women and girls.

Among the proposals were public education campaigns and improved capacity within the police and justice system to handle gender-based crimes.

"In our list of demands, we urge the government to provide comprehensive prevention strategies that address the root causes of violence, including public awareness campaigns and the strengthening of the police and judiciary’s capacities," the statement said.

Cheptumo’s comments also found their way into the discussions in Parliament on Wednesday, where members of the National Assembly expressed concern about her suitability for the role.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who sat in the vetting panel, asked Cheptumo to publicly retract her remarks and apologise.

"Having been a member of the committee that vetted her, Hanna Cheptumo must apologise for the remarks she made about women who die in Airbnbs. Whether you are looking for money or not, you don't deserve to die; death is not an answer to anything," said Junet.

While acknowledging that Cheptumo may have the experience to serve in the gender docket, critics argue that her recent comments overshadow any qualifications she may bring to the table.

They insist that a person tasked with protecting the rights of women must have a firm grasp of the issues that women face, especially when it comes to violence and discrimination.