Kisumu MCA apologize over her remarks
By Dickson Odhiambo
July 6,
2026
Kisumu MCA apologize over her remarks
A Member of
the County Assembly of Kisumu has apologized over her recent remarks made
following the raping and Killing of a woman in Kisumu City.
The Kisumu
County Assembly Nominated Member Nancy Matara says throughout her public
service life, she has been advocating for the rights, dignity and protection of
women, girls and other vulnerable members of the Society.
“My remarks
were made in the context of the horrific rape and murder of a middle-aged woman
at the Skyway area of Manyatta on 27th June 2026. According to witnesses, the
woman was sexually assaulted, brutally murdered and her mobile phone stolen.
Like every resident of Kisumu County, I was heartbroken and angered by this
heinous act. My intention was to condemn the growing trend where women are
sexually violated before being killed. At no point did I intend to justify,
excuse or encourage rape or any other form of sexual and gender-based violence,”
Matara says in a Press statement.
The MCA says as the Chairperson of the Kisumu
County Assembly Gender Working Group, she has worked with fellow leaders,
county departments, development partners and civil society organizations to
advance gender equality, strengthen awareness on sexual and gender-based
violence, support survivor-centred interventions and promote policies that
protect women and girls.
“I am
equally proud of the tremendous work being undertaken by civil society
organizations, faith-based institutions, community groups and development
partners across Kisumu County. Their tireless efforts in supporting survivors,
raising awareness, advocating for justice and preventing gender-based violence
continue to make a meaningful difference in our communities,” Matara adds.
She acknowledges
that the words she used caused distress and have been interpreted in a manner
that does not reflect her intended message.
“For that,
I sincerely apologize to survivors of sexual violence, their families and every
person who felt hurt, offended or disappointed. I understand the pain that
discussions around sexual violence can evoke, and I deeply regret any
additional hurt my remarks may have caused,” Matara further says.
She maintains
that rape is a serious criminal offence and a gross violation of human rights,
adding that it can never be justified, minimized or normalized under any
circumstances.
“I stand
firmly with survivors and reaffirm my commitment to supporting every effort
aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence, ensuring accountability
for perpetrators and protecting the dignity and safety of women and girls,” she
further says.
The MCA has
further appealed to leaders, the media and the public to approach conversations
on sexual and gender-based violence with sensitivity and context, adding that
these are deeply painful issues that demand responsible communication, empathy
for survivors and a collective commitment to ending violence against women.
“To
everyone who has expressed concern, I have heard you. I remain committed to
learning, engaging constructively and continuing to serve the people of Kisumu
County with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the protection
of women and girls,” She further concludes.
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