Following controversial remarks made by city preacher Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a, which have since gone viral on social media, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has condemned the statements.
In a statement issued on Monday by KEWOPA chairperson Lilian Sankaire, the lobby condemned the remarks describing them as harmful and insensitive.
”KEWOPA condemns in the strongest terms the recent remarks by Pastor Ng’ang’a trivializing rape and demeaning women. As a society, we must uphold the dignity and respect of all individuals, especially at a time when gender-based violence (GBV) is on the rise in Kenya,” KEWOPA stated.
”Such statements are not only harmful and insensitive but also undermine the ongoing fight against GBV and its devastating impact on survivors and their families,” it added.
Pastor James Ng’ang’a of the Neno Evangelism Church during a past event.
James Ng’ang’a
In its statement, the parliamentary group demanded that Pastor Ng’ang’a issue an unreserved public apology following his controversial remarks on women’s issues.
”KEWOPA calls on Pastor Ng’ang’a to issue an unreserved apology to survivors of sexual violence and the women of Kenya. We also urge all leaders, organizations, and communities to stand united in the fight against GBV by promoting awareness, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable,” it added.
According to KEWOPA, it was wrong for Ng’ang’a to make the comments knowing that rape is a heinous crime that leaves survivors with lifelong emotional and physical impacts.
”Rape is not a subject for jest or mockery. It is a heinous crime that leaves survivors with lifelong emotional, psychological, and physical scars. Such reckless and insensitive statements not only undermine the pain of survivors but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes that normalize GBV in our communities,” KEWOPA stated.
The statement comes after Ng’ang’a, known for his controversial and sensational views on social affairs, made unprintable remarks linking certain types of dressing and makeup by women to rape.
The clip has since gone viral on social media, with Kenyans expressing horror at the preacher over his callousness.
According to new estimates released by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), more than 370 million girls and women worldwide — equivalent to 1 in 8 — have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.
The remarks by Ng’ang’a also come at a time when Kenya is grappling with rising cases of Gender Based Violence(GBV), with an estimated figure of over 100 women having been murdered as of January.
Thousands of women in Nairobi CBD hold peaceful demonstrations against femicide on January 27, 2024.
Photo Monica Mwangi