Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has come under heavy criticism from Kenyans on X after marking one year in office.
From responses seen by TNX Africa on X, many accused her of remaining silent on rising cases of gender-based violence, femicide and killings of women and children.
The CS sparked backlash after sharing a celebratory post reflecting on her first year at the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, a move that triggered sharp reactions online.
Many users expressed surprise that Cheptumo has been serving as Gender CS, claiming she has rarely spoken publicly amid growing reports of disappearances, killings of children and gender-based violence across the country.
“Just a year ago, I took the oath of office as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children, entrusted by H.E. President William Ruto with a mandate that goes to the very heart of our nation’s social fabric, identity and future,” she wrote.
Just over a year ago, I took the oath of office as Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children services entrusted by H.E the President William Ruto with a mandate that goes to the very heart of our Nation’s social fabric, identity and future.
— CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (@hannawcheptumo) May 6, 2026
Over the past… pic.twitter.com/U94zDRzJ4v
Reacting online, one X user, Mimi, wrote: “What is one tangible thing you can pinpoint for all of us to see? Nothing. The worst bunch of ministers pre and post-independence.”
Another user, Gitonga wa Mugo, posted: “You’re actually a CS in Kenya? Honestly, I’ve just heard/seen.”
Wakamondi added, “I swear to God I have never heard of you. You work in Kenya?”
The backlash reportedly forced the CS to disable comments on the celebratory post.
The criticism comes at a sensitive time as Kenya continues to grapple with rising cases of femicide and gender-based violence.
Reports indicate that the country recorded about 725 femicide-related cases in 2024, translating to nearly 47 women killed every week, alongside male victims caught up in related violence.
This is not the first time Cheptumo has faced criticism.
During her parliamentary vetting, at least 15 women’s rights organisations condemned remarks she made that were perceived as insensitive to victims of femicide.
Critics accused her of implying that some women were killed while “looking for money” and faulted her for failing to address the role of male perpetrators, instead focusing on what women could do to avoid harm.
Following the uproar after her appointment, she later apologised for her earlier remarks, saying, “I sincerely apologise for this statement. I do not hold the belief that women or any other human being deserves to be killed under any circumstances.”