NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 14 – The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the recent utterances made by East Africa Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament, David Ole Sankok stating that his statements objectify women and promotes a culture of rape.
According to a video on his official Tiktok account circulating online posted on 9th June, Sankok while marketing his business Osim Country Lodge in Narok County said it has a unique ‘Lovers Nest’ that provides ‘a win for the boychild in search of sexual pleasure’.
Sankok stated that the Lovers Nest situated on top of a tree can only be accessed by a ladder which is removed once guests settle in and do not allow change of mind nor escape.
“The tree does not touch the ground, only the ladder touches the ground. After you get in, the ladder is removed. Because many ladies are eating fare or even change their mind,” he said.
“At the Lover’s Nest, there’s no change of mind. For the sake of the boy child, who in most cases pays the money for the house, we remove the ladder so that they stay there from evening till morning, so that the man can get the value for his money.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Nancy Ikinu the Chairperson of FIDA-Kenya stated that Sankok’s utterances were not only sexist and depraved, but also misogynistic.
Further, she added that the utterances not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also contribute to the normalization of gender- based violence and discrimination against women and they should never be tolerated or rationalized under any circumstances.
“It is truly disheartening that a leader, specifically an East African Member of Parliament, would be perceived as endorsing rape, as well as potentially promoting a culture of false imprisonment and abduction within his own business establishment,” she said.
Statements such as “Many girls have eaten fare and changed their mind” and “We will remove the ladder” made by Ole Sankok is not only sexist and depraved, but it is also misogynistic.”
Ikinu added that as FIDA they want Ole Sankok to publicly acknowledge the harm caused by his remarks, apologize for the utterances made, and commit to respect women’s rights and the eradication of all forms of violence against women.
As an organization committed to promoting gender equality, human rights, and dignity for all individuals, we stand firmly against any form of speech that dehumanizes women or perpetuates a culture of violence.
“We call upon Hon. Ole Sankok to publicly acknowledge the harm caused by his remarks, apologize for the utterances made, and commit to respect women’s rights and the eradication of all forms of violence against women,” she added.
