DNK International By Our Correspondent,Nairobi.
Rongai parliamentary aspirant Mercy Chebet Chelel has demanded a public apology and KSh50 million in damages from a rival politician over alleged defamatory remarks made during a public fundraising event in Nakuru County.
Through her lawyers, Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, Chelel accuses the politician of making derogatory statements against her during a harambee held in Menengai West Ward on May 24, 2026.
According to a demand letter seen by DNK International, the remarks, allegedly made in the Kalenjin dialect, were interpreted as suggesting that Chelel should undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) before she could be considered fit to contest for the Rongai parliamentary seat.
The statements are alleged to have portrayed her as unworthy of leadership and incapable of leading men because she was purportedly uncircumcised.
Her lawyers argue that the remarks were malicious, discriminatory and calculated to injure her reputation and political standing at a time when she is gaining support within the constituency.
The demand letter further alleges that the politician, described as a senior employee of the Kenya Revenue Authority and an aspiring Member of Parliament, has engaged in a sustained campaign aimed at undermining Chelel’s political ambitions.
Chelel also claims that on May 26, 2026, while attending a funeral within Rongai Constituency, she was attacked and harassed by individuals allegedly acting at the behest of the politician. According to the letter, the group disrupted the funeral proceedings, while local administrative officials allegedly failed to take action and instead shielded those involved.
Her advocates contend that the alleged remarks promote harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, contrary to the Constitution and the principles of equality, dignity and non-discrimination.
Citing Article 2(4) of the Constitution, the lawyers argue that any custom or practice inconsistent with constitutional provisions is invalid and that advocating for practices that demean women is unconstitutional.
In the demand letter, Chelel is seeking an unequivocal admission that the statements were made, a public apology to be issued within seven days of receipt of the letter, and compensation of KSh50 million for the alleged damage to her reputation and political career.
The lawyers have warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period will result in legal proceedings being instituted against the politician without further notice.
The allegations contained in the demand letter have not been tested in court, and the accused politician had not publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.
[DNK-International | June 4, 2026]
