This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, a cartoon by Godfrey Mwapembwa, known as Gaddo, sparked a storm over its depiction of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru. The cartoon, published in The Standard, showed Waiguru dancing through various graft scandals, referencing her stints at the National Treasury, Devolution Ministry, and Kirinyaga County.
While many Kenyans found the cartoon poignant, given Waiguru's recent clearance of graft allegations, it also triggered a significant backlash. Critics accused Gaddo of objectifying women and sexualizing the issue.
Among those who voiced their displeasure was Nation FM presenter Cate Rira, who appreciated Gaddo's work but felt the cartoon went too far. "Gaddo, I'm a fan, always been. But don't sexualise a woman in power to prove any point. Let's stop using people's personal life to attack them! Stop pushing a sexual agenda whenever a woman is on a seat of power whether she's deemed corrupt or not!" Rira raged.
Others argued that Gaddo would not use similar depictions for a male politician. "Distasteful mscheeeeeewwww! You would certainly not do this to a male governor!" wrote Jessica Anjalo.
However, many saw the cartoon as a satirical reminder of the times Kenyans live in. They urged critics to consider that satire often pushes boundaries, dismissing assertions that it objectified women.
Waiguru was cleared by an 11-member select committee at the Senate after Kirinyaga MCAs leveled allegations of graft and abuse of office. The committee, led by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, noted that the MCAs failed to prove a clear link between Waiguru and involvement in shady procurement deals.
