Kenyans from all walks of life, leaders, and commentators have all expressed their divergent opinions over ‘rape slur’ made by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna’s targeted at Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa.
During a campaign rally in Msambweni constituency, Jumwa had claimed that there was a plot by unnamed people in the ODM party to sexually defile her, something that Sifuna dismissed saying: “Hata kama wewe ni wa kunajisi si unaangalia mtu unanajisi? (Even if you are a rapist, you choose who you rape).
At this point in time some men still think that's it's a nice thing to brag about a heinous act like rape. Shame on you @edwinsifuna pic.twitter.com/nbFfCkiDvi
— Hon Oscar Sudi (@HonOscarSudi) December 13, 2020
Responding to remarks by columnist Patrick Gathara who said that the Secretary-General “seems unwilling to acknowledge the gravity of his error.” Sifuna wrote, “Sue me.”
The Law Society of Kenya has condemned “the beastly remarks” with the Society President Nelson Havi writing “The Unfortunate remarks underscores (SIC) how his party undervalues and mistreats women leaders and voters.”
“So when your Aisha stood before children to say how many times she has been bonked, you think it was pleasant to the kids… wacheni upuzi na udhabidhabina wa Tangatanga… Edwin Sifuna was only responding to her silly allegations,” ODM Communications Director Philip Etale said.
While politicians have taken sides, some Aisha’s some Sifuna’s one wonders how political rallies are still being held even after President Uhuru Kenyatta banned all of them for the rest of the year.
Uhuru Kenyatta banned political rallies for 60 days in November after a surge in Covid-19 infections in the country.
“All political gatherings and rallies are suspended for a period of 60 days with immediate effect. Anyone wishing to hold such meetings should do so in town halls and must observe all COVID protocols, including limiting the attendees to the one-third seating capacity of the hall,” Kenyatta noted.
