The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya seems to have a bone to pick with one of the East African Legislative Assembly Parliamentarians.
FIDA-Kenya, (Haki za akina mama) released a statement firmly condemn what they described to be ‘the recent utterances made by East Africa Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament, David Ole Sankok that objectifies women and promotes a culture of rape.
“According to a video circulating online, Hon Ole Sankok while marketing Osim Country Lodge in Narok County promotes a unique Lovers Nest that provides a win for the boy child in search of sexual pleasure!”
The FIDA statement says Hon Sankok has said that the Lovers Nest situated atop a tree can only be accessed by a ladder which is removed once guests settle in and do not allow change of mind nor escape.
“It is truly disheartening that a leader, specifically an East African Member of Parliament, would be perceived as endorsing rape, as well as potentially promoting a culture of false imprisonment and abduction within his own business establishment.”
“Statements such as ‘Many girls have eaten and changed their mind,’ and ‘we will remove the ladder,’ made by Ole Sankok, are not only sexist and depraved, but it is also misogynistic,” the FIDA statement maintained.
“Further, the utterances not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also contribute to the normalization of gender-based violence and discrimination against women and they should never be tolerated or rationalized under any circumstances.”
“In view of these offensive, inappropriate, and harmful utterances, we want to remind all Kenyans that consent must be free and voluntary.”
“Specifically, the Sexual Offences Act under section 42 provides that a person consents if he or she agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.”
“As an organization committed to promoting gender equality, human rights, and dignity for all individuals, we stand firmly against any form of speech that dehumanizes women or perpetuates a culture of violence.”
“The Federation of Women lawyers then called upon Ole Sankok to publicly acknowledge the harm caused by his remarks, apologize for the utterances made, and commit to respect women’s rights and the eradication of all forms of violence against women.”