Women aspirants said influential elite would ask for sex in exchange for political favours
University of Nairobi’s Institute for Development Studies Research Professor, Karuti Kanyinga, has raised concern over the rising sexual exploitation of women candidates during Kenya’s 2022 general election campaigns.
Speaking on Tuesday in Nairobi during the launch of the Political Economy Analysis on Women’s Political Participation, Kanyinga said the study revealed a disturbing increase in sexual harassment and exploitation of female aspirants—especially during political party nomination processes.
“There is growing sexual exploitation of women, which threatens to delegitimise the gains made in increasing their numbers through parliamentary and county assembly nominations,” he said.
Kanyinga noted that, unlike in previous elections, the 2022 electoral cycle saw more pronounced and widespread cases of sexual harassment. Many women interviewed for the report cited instances where powerful individuals demanded sexual favours in exchange for party tickets or promises of nomination to legislative positions.
“Women aspirants shared experiences of being asked for sex in return for political favours—like party tickets or nomination slots,” he added.
The report also highlighted a rise in vulgar and demeaning language targeting women candidates, aimed at discouraging or intimidating them into withdrawing from political contests.
“This practice is becoming widespread and undermines the credibility of the nomination process while eroding progress made in women’s political inclusion,” Kanyinga said.
He called for the development of strict policies to guide the ethical nomination of candidates by political parties and urged UN Women to convene a high-level policy dialogue to address the issue urgently.
However, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Deputy CEO in charge of electoral operations, Ruth Kulundu, said the commission had not received any formal complaints of sexual harassment or cyberbullying during the 2022 election period.
“As a commission, we have not received any such reports,” Kulundu stated.
“But I urge women to report these cases. There is a code of conduct guiding candidate behavior during elections, and we are committed to enforcing it.”
Kulundu emphasized the importance of speaking out, saying reporting would help reduce such cases in future elections.
“If you or someone you know has been asked for sexual favours in exchange for a political seat, please come forward. We want to put an end to this,” she urged.
She reassured that the IEBC would offer protection to those who report such incidents and reiterated that success in politics should not come at the cost of one’s dignity.
“There are many women in leadership today who got there without giving in to sexual demands. Let’s protect the integrity of our democratic process,” Kulundu said.
Adapted from an article first published by The Star Kenya on May 23, 2023.