Backlash forces Gender CS nominee to apologise over femicide comment

Hanna Wendot, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary in charge of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over remarks she made during her parliamentary vetting earlier this week.

Wendot came under fire on Monday after she responded to a question from the National Assembly Committee on Appointments regarding the growing number of women murdered in Airbnbs.

Her response, which appeared to link the victims’ actions to financial motives, drew immediate criticism.

"They are educated, but those are looking for money. You know a girl has many needs," Wendot said, a comment that angered both lawmakers and the public.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko interrupted the session with a point of order, saying, "It is not good to say that those girls are looking for money and that is why they are brutally murdered."

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also questioned the statement, pointing out that many of the victims were university students.

On Wednesday, just hours after her nomination was officially approved, Wendot released a statement apologising for the remarks.

"I sincerely apologise for this statement. I do not hold the belief that any woman (or other human being) deserves to be killed under any circumstances," she said.

She clarified that she intended to speak on the financial challenges many women face, but admitted she had wrongly connected that to the issue of gender-based violence.

"While I intended to bring out some of the economic challenges that many women face, I improperly related two separate issues," she said.

Wendot also used her statement to call for stronger legal measures against femicide.

"Femicide is a prevalent issue in our country, and it ought to be specifically included in the Penal Code," she added.

During a session in Parliament earlier that day, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended Wendot, saying she had privately expressed regret.

"Ever since the incident happened, I have indeed spoken to her (Cheptumo) and she has offered her unreserved apologies to the country, to the Committee, to this House for that inadvertent statement," he told MPs, urging them to consider the pressure that comes with vetting.

"Without being an apologist for her, it is only right we understand the context in which things are said. When you have not less than 20 cameras on your face, people panic."

Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei also addressed the matter, saying that while she supported Wendot’s nomination, an apology was necessary.

"As much as I agree with the leader of the majority on the professionalism of Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, I still think that the statement she made was unfortunate, was completely politically incorrect, and she must apologise," she stated.

Wendot, who is the widow of former Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, was nominated to lead a ministry that has lacked a Cabinet Secretary since July 2024, following a reshuffle that saw Aisha Jumwa exit the post.