Gloria Orwoba says Gender CS Hannah Cheptumo unfit for office over femicide remarks

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has criticized newly appointed Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo over controversial comments she made during her vetting, regarding the recent spike in femicide cases across Kenya.

In an interview with TNX Africa , Orwoba described Cheptumo’s remarks as “unfortunate,” expressing concern over the suitability of her appointment to the gender docket.

“It was just unfortunate, and I really do hope that it was just a slip of the tongue. I hope she does not believe in that,” Orwoba said.

The outspoken senator further argued that Cheptumo lacks the subject-matter expertise required for such a sensitive ministry.

“The truth of the matter is that she should not have been confirmed. She is a brilliant lawyer and good in her industry, but no!” she said.

“Aden Duale should have been our CS then, because there is no difference. What we are saying is that there is no need for a subject matter expert – just anyone who can hold that docket,” she added.

During her vetting, CS Cheptumo had suggested that the rise in femicide cases could be linked to a lack of education and financial empowerment among women.

“If a woman is educated, chances are they will avoid these challenges in society today,” Cheptumo stated.

However, members of the vetting committee, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, challenged her claims, citing recent cases of murdered women who were, in fact, educated. Cheptumo then added:

“They are educated, but those are looking for money.”

Her comments sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many Kenyans questioning the sensitivity of her remarks.

Despite calls from women’s rights groups to revoke her nomination, Cheptumo was officially sworn in on April 17, alongside Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, who replaced former CS Justin Muturi.

Following the uproar, Cheptumo issued an apology on social media, clarifying:

“I do not hold the belief that any woman (or other human being) deserves to be killed under any circumstances.”

Still, Senator Orwoba maintained that leadership in the Gender Ministry requires more than legal experience.

“In a sensitive docket like Gender, people don’t understand it needs an expert,” she said. “If it is just a matter of ‘A lawyer can go and we will hold their hand,’ Duale can also go.”