Even as the world marks 16 days of gender activism, Migori women leaders and residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the office of the Women Representative and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, which they believe have failed to deliver real benefits to the community.
Many feel that these initiatives have failed to deliver meaningful results and have become tools to enrich a select few, while the needs of the electorate, particularly marginalized groups, continue to be overlooked.
Bevin Bhoke, a member of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, has strongly criticized Fatuma Mohammed, the current Women Representative of Migori County, for her alleged complacency in addressing critical issues related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Bhoke, who intends to challenge Ms. Mohammed for the position in the 2027 elections, accuses her of neglecting marginalized communities, particularly underage girls in the Kuria region, who face the constant threat of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
“Her predecessor, Dr. Pamela Odhiambo, initiated a crucial project in Kuria East by establishing the Nguruna Rescue Center, a safe haven for girls escaping FGM. Sadly, this project has stalled under Fatuma’s leadership. Instead of prioritizing the protection of vulnerable women and girls, she focuses on roadside politics, rallies, and handing out pet projects that do little to address the pressing needs of our people,” she remarked.
Her comments come during the global observance of the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, which coincides with the 16 Days of Gender Activism.
The campaign, which calls for action to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) by 2030, has shed light on the increasing SGBV cases in the region especially the Kuria regon where FGM is prevalent. Many are now calling for immediate and tangible steps to address the growing crisis.
Local leaders and residents have joined Bhoke in criticizing Ms. Mohammed for her failure to confront the rising challenges facing girls in Kuria, particularly the persistent danger of FGM.
Despite the presence of the Nguruna and Kitiabaye Rescue Centers in Kuria East, these facilities have not been adequately supported or equipped to provide safe spaces for girls at risk of FGM.
“Ms. Fatuma Mohammed should stop focusing on petty politics. Distributing kitchen utensils to women’s groups may appear to be a gesture of goodwill, but it is far from sufficient. What is she doing for the youth? What is she doing for the girls who face FGM every day?” Bhoke asked. “We, the residents of Migori, are watching and waiting for real leadership.”
John Owino, a resident of Suna East, also expressed his concerns, urging Fatuma Mohammed to redeem her political image through effective service delivery. With rising political tensions, many potential rivals have openly criticized her for prioritizing political rallies over serving the electorate’s needs.
Mr Augustine Mwise, the former MCA for Ntimaru, where the Nguruna and Kitiabaye Rescue Centers are situated, voiced his dismay, accusing Ms. Mohammed of disregarding the progress made by her predecessors for political gain.
“Fatuma should have completed the safe spaces before launching other projects. Instead, she has let them fall into disrepair, leaving our vulnerable girls without the protection they need,” he quipped.
Local leaders and residents are calling on authorities to stop making empty promises and to deliver tangible, effective solutions to combat SGBV in the county. They stress that immediate action is necessary to protect vulnerable girls from the dangers of FGM and to ensure that the gains made in the fight against gender-based violence are not lost.
