NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 13 – The Gender Commission has demanded the retraction of a video recording promoting a treetop lodge in Narok where butlers withdraw a ladder ostensibly to trap women into sexual encounters with male companions.
Responding to a viral clip of Tik Tok by Kenya’s EALA lawmaker David Sankok, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) termed the lodge dubbed the ‘Love Nest’ a concept out to encourage the culture of rape.
NGEC Chairperson Joyce Mutinda Tuesday termed Sankok’s Osim Country Lodge promotion as disgraceful.
“We unequivocally condemn this repugnant marketing pitch and demand full accountability of Honorable Sankok’s actions,” Mutinda remarked.
“The trees does not touch the ground, only the ladder touches the round. After you get in, the ladder is removed because [many girls use fare facilitation and change their minds],” the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP said.
In his aggressive campaign to market his Narok-based resort which is located 10 kilometers from Narok town, Sankok said the lodge Lodge offers an opportunity for visitors to bring a live goat or cow and have it slaughtered and barbecued right at the premises with the help of a professional Maasai butchers.
“It is a house on top of a gigantic acacia tree which has a toilet, two arm chairs, a fridge and a king sized bed. Here, lovers will spend their night in a natural manner like monkeys on top of trees,” he pitched.
Implied sexual offenses
Sankok went on saying: “At the Lovers’ Nest, there is no change of mind for the sake of the boy child (exploited man) who in most cases pay for accommodation.”
“We remove the ladder so that they stay there from evening till morning, so that the man gets value for money.”
NGEC however slammed the campaign terming Sankok’s conduct as a violation of the Sexual Offences Act and the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
The Commission noted the Sexual Offences Act criminalizes all forms of sexual assault, including rape and any attempt at non-consensual sexual activities.
Further, Article 27 of the Constitution guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination for all individuals, irrespective of their gender.
Sankok’s remarks, NGEC affirmed, flagrantly undermine these constitutional principles and perpetuate a culture that violates women’s rights.
“In light of this grave situation, we urgently call upon hospitality industry regulators to investigate the scandalous acts within Osim Country Lodge in Narok County,” NGEC demanded.
“They must take decisive action to ensure that this establishment operates within the boundaries of the law, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals,” the Commission affirmed.
NGEC also called for stringent regulations to govern similar establishments in a bid to prevent the propagation of harmful practices and cultures that perpetuate inequality and violence against women.
