By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The MAA Women leaders have come out to strongly condemn the cyberbullying and sexual attacks directed to the nominated cabinet secretary (CS) for Defence Hon. Soipan Tuya.
“As the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network, we condemn with the strongest terms possible the absolute abuse and disrespect meted towards her,” read the statement.
The nominee served as CS for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry in the previous dismissed Cabinet by President Ruto amid anti-government protest that has been going on for the last five weeks.
Soipan, who held the position of Environment Cabinet Secretary in President William Ruto’s initial cabinet, was appointed to the same role on July 19 2024. However, she was reassigned to the Defence docket on July 23 2024.
In the previous Cabinet, Soipan Tuya was among the few Cabinet Secretaries who remained after a purge that resulted in eleven (11) Cabinet Secretaries not being reappointed.
Upon her re-appointment she underwent a scrutiny on social media platforms where majority of Kenyans made negative remarks and sexual attacks on her appointment to the Cabinet.
In a statement by Olamal Loo’Ntomonok (MAA Women’s Umbrella Network) have strongly condemn the cyberbullying and the sexual attacks made against Hon. Soipan Tuya.
“We have noted with great concern and dismay the disrespectful and inappropriate language, photos, and video clips on social media platforms, directed towards Hon. Soipan Tuya EGH, immediate former Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and Current Cabinet Secretary Nominee in the Ministry of Defence,” read the statement in part.
According to the MAA Women Umbrella Network Hon. Soipan Tuya is an astute leader who has served in a constitutional office as the Narok County women representative for two terms.
They expressed their confidence in CS Tuya in her new docket in the Ministry of Defence.
“We strongly believe in her ability to serve in the Ministry of Defence as seen fit by H.E the President of the Republic of Kenya,” read the statement.
The women legislators from the MAA community have also condemned the attacks towards Soipan and asked the defending women rights to look into gender-based violence claiming that every time a woman is appointed people start talking bad things despite all their qualifications.