Rongai parliamentary aspirant Mercy Chebet Chelel has issued a demand letter to fellow politician and Kenya Revenue Authority employee Tonny Kipkurui Wendot, demanding a public apology, retraction and Ksh50 million in compensation over remarks she claims were defamatory, discriminatory and damaging to her political reputation.
Through her lawyers, Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, Chebet alleges that Wendot made the remarks during a fundraising event held in Menengai West Ward within Rongai Constituency on May 24, 2026. According to the demand letter, the statements were allegedly made in the local Kalenjin dialect and were interpreted by Chebet and her supporters as suggesting that she was unfit to contest for the Rongai parliamentary seat unless she underwent female genital mutilation.
The aspiring legislator argues that the remarks were demeaning, discriminatory and intended to portray her as unsuitable for leadership because she is allegedly uncircumcised.
Her lawyers further claim that the statements amounted to an attack on her dignity as a woman and undermined her political ambitions at a time when she is gaining traction within the constituency.
The demand letter also accuses Wendot of engaging in a pattern of conduct aimed at intimidating and disparaging Chebet. It alleges that on May 26, 2026, during a funeral attended by the aspiring MP, he sent individuals to disrupt the gathering and harass her, claims that have not been tested in court.
According to the lawyers, the alleged remarks and actions violate constitutional principles on equality, non-discrimination, leadership and integrity, particularly those protecting women from discriminatory treatment based on gender or cultural practices.
The advocates argue that propagating views that women who have not undergone female genital mutilation are unqualified for leadership positions is inconsistent with constitutional values and modern democratic principles.
In the demand letter dated June 4, 2026, Chebet’s legal team is demanding that Wendot publicly admit making the alleged remarks, issue an unequivocal apology within seven days, and compensate her Ksh50 million for what they describe as reputational and political damage.
The lawyers have warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period could result in legal proceedings being instituted against him.
As of the time of publication, Wendot had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the demand letter.
