Maa Women’s Organizations Unite Against Cyberbullying and Sexualization of Defence Nominee Soipan Tuya

The Maa Women’s Umbrella Network has condemned the disrespectful language directed towards Cabinet Secretary for Defence nominee, Soipan Tuya on social media platforms.

Angeline Yiamiton Siparo, Chairperson of the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network, expressed concern over the inappropriate language, video clips, and photos targeting Tuya on social media. Siparo stated, “We, as the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network, strongly condemn the abuse and disrespect directed towards her.”

In a media statement, Siparo emphasized Tuya’s credentials, noting her decade-long leadership as the Narok County Woman MP, her academic achievements with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws from the University of Washington, USA. She also highlighted Tuya’s professional role as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for nearly two years.

“We strongly believe in her ability to serve in the Ministry of Defence as seen fit by President William Ruto,”

Siparo stressed Tuya’s personal life is a private affair and all defamatory comments on social media platforms amount to slander urging organizations that defend women’s rights to support the cyberbullying against Tuya who is the senior most- Maa woman leader and a national leader. 

Despite her extensive leadership experience that includes serving two terms as Narok County Woman Rep, Tuya has become subject to public scrutiny and derogatory comments on social media following her appointment as Environment CS on July 19 prior to the switch to* CS Defence on July 23. 

Women legislators from Laikipia, Kajiado, and Samburu have spoken out against the sexual attacks and cyberbullying directed towards Tuya. They have called on authorities to address gender-based violence and noted that women appointed to top positions often face unwanted criticism.

The legislators stated, “We urge the concerned authority to address gender-based violence. Every time a woman is appointed, people begin spreading harmful rumors. Women who have been appointed are all qualified.” They added, “We personally know Tuya. What we are witnessing now is gender-based violence. Those responsible for spreading edited pictures should be held accountable. We are closely observing the trend where a woman’s appointment is followed by claims that she is someone’s girlfriend.”

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also condemned the attacks and advocated for equal standards in the appointment of both female and male leaders. Millie, who has a law degree from the University of Nairobi and previously worked as a legal officer for non-profit organizations, shared, “I want to encourage Gen Zs. I support them, but let’s avoid getting trapped in sexual innuendos.”