By Andrew Kariuki

A political storm is brewing in Rongai Constituency after parliamentary aspirant Mercy Chebet Chelel issued a demand letter seeking a public apology and Ksh50 million in damages from fellow aspirant Tonny Kiprurui Wendot over alleged remarks linking her suitability for leadership to her circumcision status.

Through Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, Chelel accuses Wendot of making derogatory and discriminatory statements during a public fundraising event in Menengai West Ward on May 24, 2026, remarks she says amounted to an attack on her dignity, reputation and political ambitions.

According to the demand letter, the statements, allegedly made in the Kalenjin dialect, were interpreted by Chelel and her supporters as suggesting that she was unfit to contest for the Rongai parliamentary seat because she was allegedly uncircumcised and that she should undergo female genital mutilation before seeking elective office.

The aspiring legislator’s lawyers argue that the remarks were not only defamatory but also discriminatory and contrary to constitutional provisions on equality, dignity and non-discrimination.

“The statements were intended to demean, ridicule and portray our client as unworthy of leadership solely on account of her alleged circumcision status,” the advocates state in the letter.

Chelel further claims the remarks fueled hostility against her and reinforced harmful stereotypes against women seeking leadership positions.

The demand letter also references a separate incident on May 26, 2026, during a funeral gathering within the constituency, where Chelel alleges she was verbally attacked and harassed by individuals linked to her political rival.

Her legal team argues that promoting ideas that women should be judged for leadership based on circumcision status is inconsistent with the Constitution and amounts to discrimination against women.

The lawyers have demanded that Wendot publicly admit making the alleged remarks, issue an unconditional apology within seven days and compensate Chelel with Ksh50 million for the alleged damage to her reputation and political career.

They have warned that failure to comply with the demands could result in legal proceedings being instituted against him.

The allegations contained in the demand letter have not been tested in court and Wendot had not publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.