A political showdown in Rongai has taken a legal turn after parliamentary aspirant Mercy Chebet Chelel demanded KSh50 million in damages from rival politician Tonny Kipkurui Wendot over alleged remarks she says attacked her dignity and suitability for leadership.

Chelel, through Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, has accused Wendot of making defamatory and discriminatory remarks during a public fundraising event in Menengai West Ward, Nakuru County, on May 24, 2026.

In a demand letter, Chelel claims the remarks, allegedly made in the Kalenjin dialect, suggested that she should undergo female genital mutilation before being considered fit to seek the Rongai parliamentary seat.

Her lawyers argue that the alleged statement was not only defamatory but also amounted to a direct attack on women’s leadership, dignity and constitutional rights.

They say the remarks portrayed Chelel as unfit to lead, incapable of commanding respect from men and undeserving of political office on the basis of a harmful cultural practice.

According to the letter, the comments were calculated to lower Chelel’s standing among voters, expose her to ridicule and weaken her growing political support within Rongai Constituency.

Chelel’s lawyers further claim that the alleged remarks formed part of a wider campaign to frustrate her parliamentary bid and intimidate her supporters ahead of the next election.

The dispute has also drawn attention to the use of harmful cultural stereotypes in political contests, with Chelel’s legal team arguing that no woman should be demeaned or disqualified from leadership on the basis of female genital mutilation.

The advocates contend that any attempt to promote or glorify such a practice violates the Constitution, which protects equality, dignity and freedom from discrimination. FGM is outlawed in Kenya under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011, and recent prosecutions show the State continues to treat the practice as a serious offence.

Chelel also alleges that two days after the harambee, on May 26, 2026, she was harassed and attacked while attending a funeral in Rongai Constituency by individuals she claims were acting under Wendot’s influence.

Her lawyers claim the funeral was disrupted and that local administrators were allegedly used to intimidate her and protect those behind the incident.

Chelel is now demanding a clear admission that the remarks were made, a public apology within seven days and KSh50 million as compensation for alleged damage to her reputation, dignity and political career.

Her lawyers have warned that should Wendot fail to comply within the stated period, they have instructions to institute legal proceedings against him without further notice.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and Wendot had not publicly responded to the claims by the time of publication.