Mercy Chebet Chelel, a parliamentary aspirant in Rongai, has sought a public apology and KSh50 million in compensation from her opponent Tonny Kipkurui Wendot, a Kenya Revenue Authority official stationed in Mombasa, concerning purported slanderous statements.
Via her legal representatives from Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, Chelel contends that Wendot made disparaging comments about her at a public fundraising gathering (harambee) conducted in Menengai West Ward, Nakuru County, on May 24, 2026.
The demand letter indicates that the commentspurportedly expressed in the Kalenjin languagewere understood to imply that Chelel required female genital mutilation to be deemed qualified to vie for the Rongai parliamentary position. These remarks allegedly depicted her as unsuitable for leadership and unable to guide men due to her alleged uncircumcised status.
Her legal team asserts that the statements were made with malicious intent, constituted discrimination, and were aimed at tarnishing her reputation and political influence precisely as she was gaining support in the constituency.
The correspondence additionally claims that Wendot, who is likewise pursuing a seat in Parliament, has been conducting a persistent effort to sabotage Chelel’s political aspirations.
Chelel further reports that on May 26, 2026, during a funeral service in Rongai Constituency, she was subjected to an assault and harassment by persons allegedly acting under her opponent’s direction. The assailants reportedly interrupted the funeral proceedings, with allegations that local authorities were utilized to threaten and protect those responsible.
Her counsel maintains that the purported statements endorse detrimental cultural traditions like female genital mutilation, which violate constitutional provisions and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Referencing Article 2(4) of the Constitution, the legal representatives contend that any practice or custom conflicting with constitutional mandates is void, noting that promoting degrading treatment of women is unconstitutional.
The demand letter requests that Chelel receive an unambiguous acknowledgment that the statements were uttered, a public apology within seven days, and KSh50 million in reparation for the claimed harm to her reputation and political endeavors.
The legal representatives have cautioned that non-compliance with the demands within the specified timeframe will lead to the initiation of legal action without additional notification.
The accusations remain unverified in a judicial setting, and Wendot had not issued any public response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
This article was originally published by Radio47.