Since Kenya promulgated the current constitution in 2010, the 47 counties within its borders have been until 2022 been headed by men. The last election conducted in 2022 gave Kenya the highest number of female Governors, numbering 7 out of the 47 elected from the 3 in the previous.

Kenya is largely a patriarchal society, so these 7 women made history by increasing their numbers as County Governors. In a country with a constitution requiring the implementation of the 2/3rd gender rule, we are doing badly in equity and equality.

For that reason, we, Human Rights Defenders, it appalling and disgusting when men elected to leadership positions use the same positions entrusted to them by the electorate to not only violate women but also publicly attack them using threats of sexual abuse.

Historically, we have had leaders use their public address platforms to attack women using disparaging and sexually charged words especially when addressing female political opponents. No amount of protests and calls for action to be taken against these men work. This has led to the impunity recently seen when the female Governor of Meru, Honourable Kawira was undergoing impeachment proceedings to disposes her of her Governorship by the extremely patriarchal politicians she leads.

The country was treated to very disturbing videos of one of the members of parliament in her region, (Dis)Honourable Lawrence Mpuru Aburi of Tigania East in Meru County threatening to rape her with a tool used to stir traditional soup. In all the videos, he held the tool in his hands and demonstrated how he would use it on her. The various speeches were meant to not only undermine her but display her to the public as a sexual object deserving of rape. He went further ahead and demanded that the female Governor be impregnated as soon as possible and in addition, her womb be filled with ballast and cement to slow her down. These shocking statements were made in public rallies with TV cameras present.

While the impeachment proceedings were ongoing in the Senate, the videos were played repeatedly. In addition to her rights being infringed upon, the mental and emotional torment was evident when she was being cross-examined. To some relief, the impeachment attempts failed. It must be noted that this is the second time an impeachment motion was brought against her. The first one also failed. Governor Kawira is being subjected to these very humiliating processes and insults because she is a woman.

As various institutions are calling for action to be taken against Mpuri, we know from history that he will get away with this very public repellent, and dishonourable behaviour.

A petition has since been launched to call for global solidarity with Kenya women and justice for Governor Kawira.

As our national anthem says, MAY JUSTICE BE OUR SHIELD AND DEFENDER!

Kindly sign the petition to support us!
Thank you!

Wanjeri Nderu
ISHR President Kenya
Vice-President ISHR Global Board in charge of East Africa