Seven counties, one pattern: Violence against women in politics

During a funeral service in Murang'a County, Lamu Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni Marubu was forced to cut short her speech after mourners turned hostile when she expressed support for President William Ruto.

Some of the angry mourners moved towards her, attempting to forcibly remove her from the service. Political leaders present, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, intervened and shielded her from the crowd.

The right to express political choices

Article 38(1) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to make political choices, including the right to campaign for a political party or cause. Article 33 also protects freedom of expression. The hostility directed at Monicah after she expressed her political support raises concerns about the infringement of her right to freedom of expression.

March 2026

Esther Passaris – Nairobi County

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was unable to finish addressing a congregation at a church in Kamukunji after expressing support for President Ruto. Members of the congregation shouted her down, and the microphone was eventually taken away from her.

The right to freedom of expression and political participation

Article 33 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, while Article 38(1)(c) guarantees every citizen the right to campaign for a political party or cause. Section 14(8) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, makes it an offence to suppress, or attempt to suppress, another person's lawful political activity. If the actions were intended to prevent Esther from expressing her political views, they raise questions about these protections.

August 2026

Agnetta Mwangale – Homa Bay County

Agnetta Mwangale, a Bungoma County Woman Representative aspirant, was attacked alongside three other people during a Linda Mwananchi political rally in Homa Bay. She said she was beaten and robbed of two mobile phones and other personal belongings, while the vehicle they were travelling in was set ablaze.

She fled for safety and sought refuge in a nearby village, where a village elder rescued her and hosted her for the night. Photographs shared on her Facebook account showed her recovering in hospital, where she received visits from young people.

The right to personal security and protection from violence

Article 29(c) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom and security of the person, including the right not to be subjected to any form of violence from either public or private sources. The assault on Agnetta and the other members of her delegation raises concerns about the violation of this protection. Article 37, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed, is also relevant to the attack at a political rally.

October 2026

1. Julie Nyanchama – Kisii County

During Mashujaa Day celebrations at Igonga Grounds in Bonchari, Kisii County, Julie Nyanchama, a gubernatorial aspirant in the 2027 General Election, was denied an opportunity to address the public. Helina Kemunto, who was in charge of logistics, snatched the microphone just before Julie could address the crowd.

Julie says the denial of an opportunity to express her political agenda is a recurring pattern. She says she is often denied a chance to speak at major funerals and church gatherings, even when she arrives well ahead of time to secure an opportunity to address those present.

The right to campaign and participate in political activities

Article 38(1)(c) of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to campaign for a political party or cause. Section 14(8) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, makes it an offence to suppress, or attempt to suppress, another person's lawful political activity. If Julie was prevented from communicating her political agenda because of her intention to contest an elective seat, the incident raises questions about the protection of her political rights.

October 2026

2. Linda Ogweno – Kisumu County

During a funeral service in Nyamasaria, Kisumu County, Linda Ogweno, a 2027 Kisumu County Woman Representative aspirant, says she was physically attacked by a group of young men shortly after addressing mourners.

She had declared her intention to contest the seat and expressed opposition to a second term for President Ruto. She left the funeral before the proceedings ended, citing a lack of special security arrangements. She says she was then surrounded, knocked to the ground, beaten on the back and threatened with pangas and machetes. She also said the attackers pulled at her bag as she pleaded for her life.

During the incident, she heard someone challenge her for declaring the ‘Wantam’ position at the funeral. Well-wishers later helped her back into the gathering. The incident prompted calls for political tolerance from speakers at the funeral.

The right to personal security and political participation

Article 29(c) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom and security of the person, including protection from violence by public or private sources. Article 38 also protects citizens' political choices and their right to campaign for a political cause. The attack raises concerns about both her personal security and her ability to participate in political activities without intimidation.

Section 7(a) and (b) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, prohibits a political party from engaging in or encouraging violence by its members or supporters, or intimidating opponents, other people or another political party.

October 2026

3. Kawira Mwangaza – Meru County

During the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Githongo, Imenti Central, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza said she and her delegation, including Umoja na Maendeleo Party aspirants, members and supporters, were attacked by goons as they headed to attend the event.

She condemned the violence and intimidation, saying the police had been informed of their plans but ignored them. She called on the National Police Service to investigate the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.

The right to security and peaceful assembly

Article 29(c) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom and security of the person, including protection from violence by public or private sources. Article 37 also protects the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed. The attack on Kawira and her delegation raises questions about their ability to exercise these rights safely.

Article 91(2)(b) further requires political parties to respect the rights of all persons to participate in the political process, including minorities and marginalised groups. Article 91(2)(c) prohibits political parties from engaging in or encouraging violence by, or intimidation of, their members, supporters, opponents or any other person.

October 2026

4. Flowrence Jematiah– Baringo County

Baringo Woman Representative Baringo Woman Representative Flowrence Jematiah has twice been shouted down and humiliated by hostile crowds at public events attended by President William Ruto.

During President Ruto's visit to Kabarnet in October 2026, he gave her the opportunity to address residents, but she was shouted down by the crowd, whose chants drowned out her voice. A similar incident occurred in January 2026, when the President visited Mogotio.

The right to political expression without intimidation

Article 33 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, while Article 38(1)(c) guarantees every citizen the right to campaign for a political party or cause. Section 14(8) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, makes it an offence to suppress, or attempt to suppress, another person's lawful political activity. If the heckling was intended to prevent Flowrence from expressing her political views or participating in lawful political activities, it raises questions about these protections. Baringo Woman Representative Flowrence Jematiah has twice been shouted down and humiliated by hostile crowds at public events attended by President William Ruto.

During President Ruto's visit to Kabarnet in October 2026, he gave her the opportunity to address residents, but she was shouted down by the crowd, whose chants drowned out her voice. A similar incident occurred in January 2026, when the President visited Mogotio.