Cebbie Koks defends Soipan Tuya over cyberbullying & sexual attacks

25 July 2024

• You people made it so hard to congratulate women who are shattering the glass ceiling - Cebbie

• Siparo said Tuya is not only the senior-most Maa woman leader but also a national leader.

Businesswoman Cebbie Koks Kokeyo has expressed her displeasure at the attacks directed at CS nominee Soipan Tuya.

In a statement shared via her socials, Cebbie said that online critics have made it hard even to congratulate women who are doing an exceptional job in different fields.

“You people made it so hard to congratulate women who are shattering the glass ceiling. You chase us like witches in the sisal plantation for queuing behind them. @hon.soipantuya is upto task!

What I think is this: We take women to school to include them at decision-making tables. Therefore, we shouldn't undermine their ability to hold such positions,” Cebbie said in part.

She went on to state that Tuya has the capacity to perform as the CS interior based on her background.

“Soipan Tuya’s combination of legislative experience, legal expertise, leadership acumen, and commitment to ethical governance makes her an outstanding candidate for the role of Cabinet Secretary for Defense.

Her appointment would bring a well-rounded and deeply principled approach to the stewardship of the nation’s defense. Congratulations! We are right behind you,” Cebbie said.

At the same time, a section of women activists under the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network have condemned disrespectful language directed towards Cabinet Secretary for Defence nominee Soipan Tuya on social media.

Chairperson of the lobby, Angeline Yiamiton Siparo, said they have noted with great concern and dismay the disrespectful and inappropriate language, photos, and video clips on social media platforms, directed towards Tuya.

“As the Maa Women’s Umbrella Network, we condemn with the strongest terms possible the absolute abuse and disrespect meted towards her,” she said.

In a statement to media houses, Siparo said Tuya is an astute leader who has served in a constitutional office as the Narok County Woman MP for 10 years, a professional with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Masters of Laws from the University of Washington, USA.

She added that Tuya is a champion of the environment where she served as Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Environment and Forestry for close to two years.

“We strongly believe in her ability to serve in the Ministry of Defence as seen fit by President William Ruto,” Siparo added.

“Her personal life is a private affair and the statements being shared repeatedly on social media amount to libel and slander.”

Siparo called upon organisations defending women's rights to stand with them and condemn the cyberbullying towards Tuya.

She said Tuya is not only the senior-most Maa woman leader but also a national leader.