Trans Nzoia Women Leaders Reprimand Natembeya's CEC over Offensive FGM Remarks
- Women leaders from Trans Nzoia county have expressed disappointment over Agriculture CECM Phanice Khatundi's remarks
- Khatundi reportedly made a statement suggesting that some women leaders believe they are on the same level as men because they come from areas where FGM is prevalent
- Led by Immaculate Shamala, the women leaders said Khatundi's statements undermined the dignity of women who are survivors of FGM
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Trans Nzoia: A group of women leaders has petitioned the NCIC, National Gender and Equality Commission, and Anti-FGM Board to take action against Trans Nzoia Agriculture Executive, Phanice Naliaka Khatundi, for demeaning women from communities that practice female circumcision.
Source: Facebook
Khatundi apparently suggested that some female politicians believe they are equal to men because they come from communities linked to FGM.
The remarks were apparently aimed at woman representative, Lillian Siyoi Walubengo.
What did Trans Nzoia leaders say about Khatundi's statement?
Responding to Khatundi’s widely circulated remarks, Immaculate Shamala, chairperson of the Trans Nzoia Women Leaders Community-Based Organisation, said the comments undermined the dignity of individuals and survivors of FGM.
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In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, Shamala said it was unacceptable to demean an elected leader based on their stance on FGM
"For a leader in public office to use FGM to demean another individual, especially an elected leader, the Trans-Nzoia county Member of Parliament, shows a blatant disregard for the pain and trauma endured by survivors," she said.
The CBO added that Khatundi's statements violate individuals' constitutional rights and undermine efforts to combat harmful cultural practices.
"These statements constitute a mockery of the laws of Kenya, including the Prohibition of FGM Act, the Constitution of Kenya (which upholds the dignity and rights of all persons), and international human rights conventions that Kenya has ratified," they said.
They expressed concern that tolerating such statements could worsen the stigma faced by FGM survivors in the country, effectively violating their human rights.
The women leaders also called for action to be taken against Khatundi, whose remarks were described as demeaning.
Why Khatundi attacked Lilian Siyoi
This follows a disagreement between Siyoi and Khatundi over Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya's performance since he took office in 2022.
Source: Facebook
The conflict began when Siyoi criticised Natembeya over comments on food distribution, alleging that he might be selling contaminated cereals to residents.
In response, Khatundi urged the governor to ignore Siyoi and focus on his maize seed distribution program without getting involved with her.
She questioned whether Siyoi understood her role, emphasising that residents should evaluate Natembeya based on his track record and achievements.
Natembeya, who was present during the exchange between the two women leaders, overlooked the political differences. He chose instead to focus on subsidized fertilizers and urged residents to join him in the fight to eradicate poverty.
How did anti-FGM board respond to Khatundi's statement?
The Anti-FGM Board also criticized Khatundi for remarks that suggested a woman feels equal to men because she comes from a community strongly associated with FGM.
The board stated that her remarks were demeaning, warning that such statements could harm women by reinforcing stereotypes and undermining their rights and dignity.
By Emanuel Chang'toek, TUKO.co.ke correspondent
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Faith Chandianya (CA editor) Faith Chandianya is a multi-media journalist and a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Media Science from Moi University. She has over four years experience in digital journalism. Email: Faith.Chandianya@tuko.co.ke
Asher Omondi (Copyeditor) Asher Omondi is a political and current affairs editor with over six years of experience in digital media. Previously, he had worked in various organisations both as a social media manager and a monitor (FEMNET, Ghafla Kenya). He was a Broadcast Journalism student at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication class of 2013. You can reach Asher at asher.omondi@tuko.co.ke.
