This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
June 10, 2020, marked a day of intense debate in Kenyan politics, following a statement from Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia in support of impeached Governor Anne Waiguru.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, who was ousted as Senate Majority Chief, expressed her discontent on Twitter, suggesting that Kobia's statement was motivated by a desire to see her nude photos.
"Wondering if a similar letter from @CSMargaretKobia 4 @CecilyMbarire & I got lost in the mail? Could the Ministry of Gender not be aware that we are women too? Cess, perhaps it's time for you & I to send Kobia our naked pics then she might stand up for us against the bully too," Kihika tweeted.
Her statement sparked a heated reaction from Kenyans on Twitter, with some defending Kobia's right to support Waiguru and others criticizing her for not speaking out in support of Kihika when she was ousted.
"This is stooping to low, Waititu was impeached everyone was celebrating. Susan Kihika and Cecile Mbarire were ousted no one lamented," Hon Mishra Kiprop wrote.
"The statement made by Margaret Kobia reminds me of George Orwell's 'animal farm.' seems like all women are equal but some are more equal than others. Waiguru might just be 'more woman' than Cecily Mbarire and Susan Kihika according to her. This is 2020 for heaven's sake. 😡'", @Rigathi_G tweeted.
"With the way women leaders are coming out defending Anne Waiguru, I can confidently say Susan Kihika is a man," a tweep using the handle, @VotingKe wrote.
"I did not intend to comment on this issue, but I would be remiss if I fail to respond to my good friend Prof. Margaret Kobia," Hon. Wangui Ngirici said. "Let's avoid dragging misogyny in a pure constitutional process on accountability which has remedies available within the law to any aggrieved party."
