Businesswoman Mercy Chebet Chelel has threatened to sue fellow Rongai parliamentary aspirant Tonny Kipkurui Wendot, seeking Sh50 million in damages over remarks that her lawyers say promoted female genital mutilation and undermined her political ambitions.
In a demand letter Chelel through her lawyer Danstan Omari alleges that Wendot made offensive and inciteful remarks during a fundraising event held in Menengai West Ward on May 24.
According to the letter, Wendot addressed the gathering in the Kalenjin dialect and referred to Chelel as “uncircumcised,” while suggesting that she should undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) before being considered fit to contest for the Rongai parliamentary seat.
Chelel’s lawyer contend that the remarks were discriminatory, degrading, and contrary to constitutional protections against harmful cultural practices.
Omari argues that such statements violate Article 2(4) of the Constitution of Kenya, which invalidates any customary law or practice that is inconsistent with the Constitution.
The dispute intensified with further allegations that, on May 26, individuals described in the letter as “goons” disrupted a funeral gathering where Chelel was addressing mourners within the constituency.
The letter claims the individuals harassed attendees and interfered with the event.
“In your service to the country as a senior employee of the Kenya Revenue Authority, stationed at Mombasa, and working in senior civil servant roles this behavior is sharply in contravention to your seniority in civil service,” says Omari
Chelel’s legal team further alleged that state officers, including a local assistant chief, were used to intimidate her supporters and shield those responsible for the disruption.
The lawyers have demanded that Wendot publicly acknowledge making the alleged remarks, issue an unconditional apology within seven days, and pay Sh50 million in compensation for what they describe as reputational damage and emotional distress.
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