Rongai parliamentary aspirant, Mercy Chebet Chelel has issued a demand letter to a rival aspirant, Tony Kipkurui Wendot over alleged remarks she claims were discriminatory, defamatory, and aimed at undermining her bid for elective office.
Addressing journalists outside Milimani Law court on Thursday, advocate Danstan Omari stated that Chebet had instructed him to seek legal redress following remarks allegedly made during a fundraiser in Menengai West Ward on May 24, 2026.
According to the demand letter seen by kauntinews.com, Kipkurui made comments in a local dialect suggesting that Chelel was unfit to lead because she had not undergone female genital mutilation (FGM).
The letter argues that the remarks were intended to ridicule, demean, and portray her as unsuitable for public office.
Omari maintained that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to seek elective leadership regardless of gender, adding that no woman should face discrimination on account of her biological makeup or cultural background.
He further stated that the alleged remarks were inconsistent with the values of equality, human dignity, and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution.
He argued that women seeking leadership positions should be evaluated on their capabilities and vision rather than cultural stereotypes or practices.
The demand letter also alleges that on May 26, 2026, while Chelel was attending a funeral within Rongai Constituency, individuals believed to be associated with the rival aspirant disrupted the gathering and intimidated some of her supporters.
Omari said his client views the alleged incidents as part of a broader pattern of hostility directed at women participating in politics and public leadership. He noted that such conduct, if left unchecked, could discourage women from seeking elective positions.
In addition to the demand letter, Chelel’s legal team indicated that complaints may be lodged with various state agencies, including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and other relevant authorities for consideration and possible action.
The lawyers are demanding that the rival aspirant publicly retract the alleged remarks, issue an unconditional apology within seven days, and pay KSh50 million in compensation for the alleged damage caused to Chelel’s reputation and standing in the community.
They have warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period could result in legal proceedings being initiated.
The rival aspirant had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication. The claims contained in the demand letter remain allegations and have not been tested before any court of law.
Chelel, who is seeking the Rongai parliamentary seat has maintained that she will remain in the race and will not be deterred by what her legal team describes as discriminatory attacks.
