Suba North Member of Parliament (MP) Millie Odhiambo has called on Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Hannah Wendot Cheptumo to undertake short courses on gender-related issues to better prepare for her role, despite having tendered a public apology over controversial remarks made during her vetting.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a session on the consideration of the nominee’s vetting report, Odhiambo recognised Wendot’s professional qualifications while emphasising the need for additional capacity building in gender issues to effectively execute the mandate of the Gender Ministry.
“I sat in the vetting, and one of the things that was very clear is that she is a very good lawyer, from what was even appearing in her CV. She is very confident as a person,” Odhiambo stated.
However, Odhiambo addressed the nominee’s controversial statements, arguing that they highlighted a gap in her understanding of key gender issues, especially femicide, where he was accused of victim-blaming.
“I just want to speak to the issue that everybody has spoken to, which is the issue of what she said. Mr. Speaker, it is very unfortunate because her statement seemed to imply that she was victim-blaming,” Odhiambo remarked.
The lawmaker framed the nominee’s comments as a product of societal conditioning rather than individual failings.
“Beyond her apology, we are dealing with a bigger issue, and the bigger issue is that she is also a victim of societal socialisation, and that is why every time you have a person coming for gender, there’s always an issue,” she explained.
In a notable offer, Odhiambo, who described herself as an expert in gender issues, volunteered to personally mentor the nominee.
“I’m glad that she’s apologised, but she needs to go further and notice that she needs capacity building, and I personally, because I am an expert in that area, am willing to handhold and help her so that she can be able to serve Kenyans better,” she stated.
While reiterating that Wendot is not incompetent and has the credentials to serve, Odhiambo urged her to take additional steps to gain gender-related expertise.
“She’s actually very competent as a lawyer. But when we give somebody added responsibilities, we must ensure they are prepared. Just like she studied law late, let her also take a course on gender. The women MPs are here and willing to support her,” Odhiambo added.
Appointing authority
On a related note, Odhiambo pointed out the instability within the ministry, which has been without a substantive Cabinet Secretary since July, following the rejection of three nominees in quick succession.
She called on President William Ruto to take these appointments more seriously, especially for this crucial portfolio.
“The challenge goes back to the appointing authority that he needs to take this ministry seriously and that we don’t just use this as a means of filling up slots,” she stated.
“I’m not saying that this woman is incompetent. I’ve said she’s actually very competent as a lawyer, but when we want to give somebody some added responsibilities, we need to think more seriously about that,” she added.