Women condemn violence against female political aspirants in Kisii and Kisumu

Women’s rights advocates call for investigations and action after Linda Ogweno reports assault at a funeral in Kisumu, while Dr July Nyamao is reportedly heckled and humiliated in Kisii.

The activists have condemned reported incidents of violence and intimidation targeting female political aspirants in Kisii and Kisumu counties, calling on authorities to investigate the cases and hold those responsible accountable.

In a statement signed by Women of Kenya in All Our Diversity, the group said the incidents threatened women’s participation in leadership and undermined democratic processes.

The statement cited the reported harassment of Dr July Nyamao in Kisii County, where she was allegedly heckled, pushed and humiliated while attempting to address an audience.

It also highlighted an incident involving Linda Ogweno, an aspirant for the Kisumu County woman representative seat in the 2027 elections, who said she was assaulted after expressing her political views at a funeral in Nyamasaria.

In her account, Ogweno said she addressed mourners at the funeral of Eunice Adongo at Nyamasaria Primary School on October 20, 2026, where she expressed support for the one-term agenda.

She said a group of youths attacked and injured her as she left the venue. “Let me be clear: no political opinion justifies violence. Not mine. Not anyone’s,” Ogweno said in a statement.

She added that footage of the incident continued to circulate online and that she had received further threats on Facebook and WhatsApp despite reporting the matter to police in Kisumu.

Ogweno thanked members of the public for their messages of support and said she remained under treatment.

She called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to preserve the footage, record witness statements and investigate the assault.

She also urged authorities to assess the threats against her and consider deploying police protection to political aspirants where practicable.

The aspirant called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to enforce the relevant codes of conduct against candidates whose supporters engage in violence or extortion.

She further urged the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) and the Kenya Elections Domestic Observers (KEDO) to document threats against women candidates and take appropriate action.

Ogweno cited Articles 29, 33, 36 and 38 of the Constitution, which address personal security, freedom of expression, freedom of association and political rights.

She also referred to provisions of the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which she said could apply to the assault and alleged online threats.

Calls for investigations

Women of Kenya in All Our Diversity called on the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to investigate any evidence linking political parties, their members or supporters to the reported incidents.

The group urged the office to enforce the Political Parties Act, 2011, including provisions relating to political participation and the prohibition of violence and intimidation.

It said appropriate sanctions should be considered where offences are established and the law permits them.

The statement also called on the IEBC and relevant prosecutorial authorities to investigate any potential criminal offences, including those under Section 11 of the Election Offences Act, 2016, where applicable.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) was also urged to take action to promote political tolerance, prevent incitement and protect women’s participation in public life.

The group said political affiliation, personal opinions or attendance at a public gathering should never be used to justify violence against women.

It also rejected victim-blaming and called on political leaders across party lines to condemn violence and encourage peaceful engagement.

“Our solidarity with Dr July Nyamao and Linda Ogweno transcends political affiliations. Women’s safety, dignity and democratic rights are not negotiable,” the statement said.

Call for safe political participation

The group said women should be able to express political opinions, declare their ambitions and exercise their constitutional rights without fear of intimidation or physical attacks.

It added that women’s participation was essential to building an inclusive and representative democracy.

Ogweno, meanwhile, said the reported assault had not changed her political ambitions and that she remained committed to seeking the Kisumu County woman representative seat in 2027.

“My resolve to represent Kisumu as the next Women Representative remains,” she said, calling for a safer Kenya for both men and women.

Women of Kenya in All Our Diversity concluded by demanding accountability and an end to violence against women in politics.

“Our voices are not a threat to democracy. They are democracy in action,” the statement said.