Women’s rights activists have strongly opposed the approval of Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Hannah Cheptumo, citing her controversial comments on femicide as evidence of her unsuitability for the role.
During her vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Cheptumo sparked public outrage by implying that educated women killed in short-stay apartments were motivated by financial gain. “They are educated, but those are looking for money. You know a girl has many needs,” she said. The remarks were swiftly condemned by women’s rights groups, who described them as victim-blaming and a gross mischaracterisation of the femicide crisis in Kenya.
The Coalition Against Sexual Violence said Cheptumo lacks a deep understanding of gender-based violence and women’s rights. Jedidah Maina, executive director of the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health, called her comments “factually incorrect, deeply offensive, and harmful.” Wangu Kanja of the Wangu Kanja Foundation added that such views reinforce patriarchal attitudes that excuse violence against women.
Statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reveal that in 2023, Kenya recorded 725 femicide cases—an average of 47 women killed weekly. Alarmingly, 75% of these murders were committed by individuals known to the victims, including intimate partners and family members.
Despite being pressed during vetting, Cheptumo failed to articulate concrete preventive measures to combat femicide. In contrast, civil society groups have called for the strengthening of existing laws such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act. They are also advocating for the withdrawal of policies that perpetuate victim-blaming.
Wangechi Wachira, executive director at the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness, urged Parliament to reject Cheptumo’s nomination and instead support policies that uphold women’s dignity and safety. “Women’s lives are on the line,” she warned.
The controversy comes as the Usikimye Kenya petition gains momentum, calling for femicide to be declared a crime, with clear legal definitions and stronger protections for women.
Despite the backlash, Parliament approved Cheptumo’s appointment on April 15, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence in Kenya.
