Hanna Cheptumo, President Ruto’s nominee for Gender Cabinet Secretary, addressed the alarming rise in femicide cases during her parliamentary vetting on Monday, April 14, 2025. Speaking before the Committee on Appointments in Nairobi, Cheptumo attributed these cases to the pursuit of easy money, where young girls enter relationships primarily for financial gain.
Cheptumo emphasized that, if confirmed, one of her key priorities would be to empower girls with the concept of financial independence and education. She stated, “If a woman is educated, chances are they will avoid these challenges in society today.” Her vision includes introducing Gender-Based Violence education into the national curriculum to instill values of respect, equality, and prevention from an early age.
However, she was challenged by the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, who pointed out, “The girls that were murdered in recent days are educated.” Cheptumo responded by asserting that while these victims may have been educated, their vulnerability stemmed from financial dependency. She elaborated, “I see a lot of it is because of dependency. If girls were able to have economic power, they would not depend on the other gender. Sometimes they are in situations where they are exposed because they are trying to get an alternative source of income.”
Cheptumo further argued that financial freedom is a critical factor in reducing femicide cases. She believes that economic empowerment would enable girls to avoid precarious situations that often lead to violence.
The CS is the widow to the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo. She is a lawyer and describes herself as an advocate for women’s right, legal empowerment and social justice.
Cheptumo’s nomination comes at a pivotal moment, as the Gender Cabinet Secretary position has remained vacant since August 2024 following President Ruto’s reshuffle.
By Grace Githinji
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