Women’s Group Denounces Online Attacks Against Defense Secretary Nominee Tuya

The Maa Women’s Umbrella Network has strongly denounced the disrespectful and abusive behaviour directed at Soipan Tuya on social media platforms.

Angeline Yiamiton Siparo, the network’s chairperson, voices profound concern over the inappropriate content circulating online, including offensive language, photos, and video clips targeting Tuya. Siparo emphasizes Tuya’s credentials as an accomplished leader, highlighting her decade-long service as the Narok County Woman MP and her impressive academic background. Tuya holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws from the University of Washington in the United States.

“As the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network, we condemn with the strongest terms possible the absolute abuse and disrespect meted towards her,” she says.

According to the body, Tuya has demonstrated a commitment to public service and environmental advocacy. Her recent tenure as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry saw her spearhead various environmental initiatives, further solidifying her reputation as a dedicated public servant. The Maa Women’s Umbrella Network expresses confidence in Tuya’s ability to excel in her new role at the Ministry of Defence. The network’s statement comes in response to a surge of online harassment targeting Tuya.

Siparo has called upon other women’s rights organizations to join in condemning this cyberbullying and emphasizes that the personal attacks and repeated sharing of defamatory content on social media constitute libel and slander. The network notes that the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, particularly against women in public office has become a significant concern.