CS nominee Cheptumo responds to female university students' murders
If confirmed in her role, Cheptumo outlined that one of her primary goals would be to promote women's financial independence.
President William Ruto's nominee for the Gender Cabinet docket, Hanna Cheptumo, has attributed the ongoing femicide crisis in Kenya to women entering relationships motivated by a desire for financial gain.
Speaking during her vetting at Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Monday, Cheptumo shared her views with lawmakers, emphasizing that financial dependence could be a factor in the rising violence against women.
If confirmed in her role, Cheptumo outlined that one of her primary goals would be to promote women's financial independence.
She believes that empowering women economically could be a key step in addressing the alarming rate of murders targeting women in Kenya.
"I see a lot of it is because of dependency. If girls could have economic power, they would not depend on the other gender. Sometimes they are in situations where they are exposed because they are trying to get an alternative source of income," she said.
Cheptumo also stressed the importance of ensuring that girls have access to education, including technical and vocational training for those who may not qualify for traditional colleges or universities.
She believes that equipping young women with practical skills will contribute to their financial independence and help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.
"If a woman is educated, chances are they will avoid these challenges in society today," the CS nominee said.
However, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula challenged Cheptumo's stance.
"The girls who have been killed in recent days are educated," he said.
He raised concerns about the assumption that education alone would prevent such tragedies, urging a broader discussion on the issue.
"They are educated, but those are looking for money," Cheptumo responded.
The CS nominee, Hanna Cheptumo, is the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away in February due to illness.
A lawyer by profession, Cheptumo advocates for women's rights, legal empowerment, and social justice.