Kenya, April 16 -- Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Hannah Wendot Cheptumo is under intense scrutiny following controversial remarks made during her parliamentary vetting on April 14, 2025, which have ignited a firestorm of criticism from women's rights groups, political leaders, and Kenyans on social media.
The backlash centred on Cheptumo's statements about femicide, has led to growing calls for President William Ruto to revoke her nomination, with figures like Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and a coalition of 15 lobby groups condemning her remarks as insensitive and misguided.
As the National Assembly approves her appointment despite the uproar, questions linger about her suitability to lead the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
During her vetting before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Cheptumo was pressed on how she would address Kenya's escalating femicide crisis.
The 57-year-old lawyer and widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo attributed femicide to economic dependency, stating, "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."
When Wetang'ula pointed out that many femicide victims, particularly those killed in short-stay apartments like Airbnbs, were educated university students, Cheptumo doubled down, asserting, "They are educated, but those are looking for money."
This statement, widely perceived as victim-blaming, triggered immediate condemnation from lawmakers, rights organizations, and the public, who accused her of trivializing gender-based violence (GBV) and misunderstanding its systemic roots.
The remarks come at a time when Kenya is grappling with a surge in femicide cases, with high-profile murders like that of Rita Waeni in January 2024 remaining unresolved.
Critics argue that Cheptumo's comments reflect a dangerous detachment from the realities faced by Kenyan women, particularly given her nomination to a ministry tasked with protecting vulnerable groups.
A coalition of 15 rights-based organizations, collectively known as the Coalition Against Sexual Violence, issued a joint statement on April 16, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Cheptumo's nomination.
The groups, including My Body My Body and Amnesty Kenya, described her remarks as "troubling," "harmful," and indicative of a "fundamental misunderstanding of the systemic nature of gender-based violence in Kenya."
"Ms Cheptumo's words were a gross mischaracterization of the problem and demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding gender-based violence and a failure to protect women's rights," the coalition stated, arguing that her comments shift blame onto victims and embolden perpetrators.
Amnesty Kenya further invoked Kenya's Constitution, noting that Cheptumo's stance disregards Article 26 (right to life) and Article 27 (non-discrimination). "Femicide is a crime and should be treated as such," the group declared in a video titled How Not to Govern 101.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also weighed in, with President Faith Odhiambo calling Cheptumo's remarks "irresponsible and unfortunate."
Odhiambo emphasized that femicide often stems from complex factors, including rejected advances or domestic violence, not merely economic motives. "It's the most irresponsible statement I've heard-shockingly from a woman," she said.
The controversy dominated National Assembly discussions on April 16, as MPs debated Cheptumo's suitability alongside that of Public Service nominee Geoffrey Ruku.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a member of the vetting committee, demanded a formal apology from Cheptumo, stating, "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."
Mohamed further stirred debate by suggesting that the Gender Ministry should be led by a man, arguing that male leaders might champion women's issues more effectively.
"It looks like women have been allowed to deal with their matters, but they don't take it seriously," he said, sparking mixed reactions among lawmakers and the public.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei also criticized Cheptumo, describing her remarks as "completely politically incorrect" and insisting on an apology, despite supporting her qualifications.
However, Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai defended Cheptumo, suggesting her comments were a "slip" made under the pressure of the vetting process. "Sitting on that hot seat is not easy. She is going to defend the girls and children we're talking about," Nyamai argued.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah acknowledged the controversy but noted that Cheptumo had expressed regret.
"I have spoken to her, and she has offered her unreserved apologies to the country, to the Committee, to this House for that inadvertent statement," he said, urging lawmakers to support her nomination.
On April 16, Cheptumo issued a public apology for her remarks, stating, "I take full responsibility and clarify that my comments were regrettable and did not reflect my beliefs or intentions."
She vowed to prioritize the fight against GBV if appointed, emphasizing her commitment to protecting women's rights.
Despite the backlash, the National Assembly approved her nomination alongside Ruku's on the same day, paving the way for their swearing-in by President Ruto.
The approval was not without contention. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo raised constitutional concerns about Ruku's participation in House proceedings as a nominated Cabinet Secretary, though Mp Kimani Ichung'wah and Mohamed countered with a prior ruling allowing MPs to serve until sworn in.
Cheptumo's approval, however, remained the focal point, with MPs sharply divided over her femicide remarks.
Kenyans on social media have amplified the backlash, with hashtags like #JusticeNotJustification trending alongside calls for Cheptumo's nomination to be revoked.
One user posted, "No woman deserves to be killed. Blaming victims is unacceptable. Cheptumo's remarks show zero empathy and no grasp of the crisis. Withdraw her nomination immediately."
Another wrote, "Her statements exposed a dangerous misunderstanding of femicide and GBV, showing she cannot lead a ministry meant to protect women."
The public outcry reflects broader frustration with the Gender Ministry's track record. Cheptumo's predecessor, Aisha Jumwa, faced criticism for failing to address GBV effectively, and unresolved cases like the 2021 murder of athlete Agnes Tirop highlight systemic gaps.
Many hoped Cheptumo, a self-described women's rights advocate, would bring a more empathetic approach, but her remarks have raised doubts about her ability to lead.
Despite the controversy, Cheptumo outlined several initiatives during her vetting, including relocating GBV reporting desks from police stations to hospitals to provide victims with safer, more comprehensive support.
"A person who has been battered will most likely not report the incident if the officer at the gender desk is a man," she said, advocating for joint male-female staffing and hospital-based services.
She also proposed engaging grassroots leaders to combat patriarchal attitudes and incorporating GBV awareness into school curricula to address issues like early marriages.
Cheptumo, who declared a family net worth of Sh420 million, emphasized her 14 years of public service experience, including work in the Ministry of Cooperatives.
The Gender Ministry faces immense challenges, from addressing femicide and GBV to promoting gender parity and cultural heritage. Cheptumo's remarks have intensified scrutiny of her ability to tackle these issues, particularly given the ministry's history of unmet expectations.
Women's rights groups argue that her nomination undermines the urgent need for a leader who understands the systemic nature of violence against women.
As Cheptumo prepares to assume her role, her apology and proposed reforms will be closely watched.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.