Gender CS Nominee Hanna Cheptumo has apologised to Kenyans over remarks she made on femicide while being vetted in Parliament.
In a statement dated Wednesday, April 16, the CS nominee acknowledged that Kenyans had expressed displeasure over the remarks on social media in the last two days.
She clarified that she wanted to explain how economic factors had contributed to femicide. However, her statements did not relay her intentions.
"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. While I intended to bring out some of the economic challenges that many women face, I improperly related two separate issues," she wrote.
"Secondly, femicide is a prevalent issue in our country, and it ought to be specifically included in the Penal Code. Violence on the basis of gender occurs in any and every corner of society, and it affects all women, regardless of their socioeconomic reality."
Read More
In the meantime, she called on Kenyans to trust her, adding that she would be prioritising strategies to end femicide once in office.
The CS nominee made the remarks after Parliament approved her nomination to the docket.
"Kenyan women deserve to be protected under any and all circumstances. Femicide, Gender-based violence and all other forms of discrimination on the basis of gender must be dealt with critically and carefully," read the statement in part.
"I want every mother, father and child - every Kenyan - to know they can count on me to articulate these issues on their behalf, and with accountability."
During the vetting, the nominee stated that some of the girls killed in short-term rentals were looking for money.
The remarks caused an uproar among the vetting committee and Kenyans. Some organisations even called on President William to reconsider her nomination.
