Governor Rotich under fire for telling off deputy in public showdown
It was a public dressing-down that has sparked outrage in sections of the North Rift, with Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich at the centre of criticism over his treatment of his deputy, Prof Grace Cheserek.
The governor made the remarks, which some have described as humiliating, during a public function in Kapyego Ward, Marakwet East, where he attempted to take the microphone from Prof Cheserek as she addressed the gathering.
But the deputy governor refused to yield the podium.
“Let me finish my speech, Governor. You did not invite me here. I will continue speaking, and I will say it all,” she said, insisting on her right to address the gathering without interruption.
The exchange quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, exposing tensions between the county’s two highest-ranking officials before residents.
Prof Cheserek then turned her attention to the performance of the county administration, accusing it of failing to deliver essential services, particularly in the health and education sectors.
She questioned the administration’s priorities, alleging that it was more concerned with distributing handouts to win public support than providing lasting solutions to residents’ challenges.
The governor reportedly became increasingly displeased with her remarks and, towards the end of her speech, directed his security personnel to remove her from the podium.
Footage of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed Prof Cheserek attempting to take hold of the governor’s microphone before one of his security officers intervened and escorted her away.
Governor’s action condemned
The confrontation has since drawn condemnation from women leaders across the North Rift, who say the incident reflects a troubling attitude towards women in positions of authority.
Speaking in Eldoret, representatives of various civil society and political caucuses said the incident raised serious questions about respect for women in leadership, particularly in a region where patriarchal attitudes have historically shaped women’s place in public and political life.
They warned that such confrontations risk reinforcing the perception that women in senior positions are expected to remain subordinate, even when they hold elective mandates and have a responsibility to speak on behalf of the electorate.
“What we witnessed in Kapyego is not just an administrative disagreement; it is a blatant manifestation of disrespect towards women in leadership. Prof Cheserek holds an esteemed office earned through the ballot, and subjecting her to public humiliation sets a dangerous precedent for gender inclusivity in our country,” said Benadine Korir of the Women’s Rights Coalition, Eldoret.
The women leaders argued that the conduct of senior public officials has implications beyond personal disagreements, particularly for young women and girls who look up to elected leaders as examples of what is possible.
They added that public confrontations between governors and their deputies undermine the dignity of county institutions, weaken public confidence and distract from the responsibility of delivering services.
Jane Lengut of the Association of Women in Politics, Eldoret, said the confrontation threatened to reverse progress made in securing women’s participation in political and public decision-making.
“The political landscape in Kenya has fought hard to carve out democratic space for women at the decision-making table. When a leader of a county chooses to openly clash with and disrespect a female deputy governor, it rolls back those gains. We demand decorum and absolute respect for women leaders across all tiers of government,” she said.
Integrity and restraint
The Association of Christian Women in Politics also condemned the exchange, saying public office demands integrity, restraint and the ability to manage disagreements without resorting to public confrontations.
The association said political differences should be addressed through dialogue and appropriate institutional channels rather than turning public gatherings into arenas for personal and political battles.
“True leadership is anchored on integrity, mutual respect and restraint. Publicly confronting a colleague, more so a woman leader of Prof Cheserek’s calibre, is uncalled for and goes against the ethical standards expected of public servants. We call upon political actors to respect the dignity of women in public service,” said Pamela Ilavonga.
The leaders have demanded that Rotich issue a formal apology to Prof Cheserek, saying this would acknowledge the dignity of her office and the need for mutual respect within county leadership.
They have also called on relevant oversight bodies and political parties to enforce stricter codes of conduct to protect female leaders from targeted public disrespect.
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from Elgeyo Marakwet residents, many of whom took to social media to criticise the spectacle and question why disagreements within the county executive had to be played out in public.
Philip Chebii faulted the governor’s approach, arguing that political differences should never justify insulting or belittling a woman in public.
“With due respect, even if you have differences with any woman, don’t insult or brag to her in public; we men, let us remain men,” he wrote.
Batote Nancy said the governor and his deputy should have found a way to resolve their differences away from public gatherings.
“The two should not resolve their differences in public,” she said.
The language used during the confrontation also drew criticism, with Kip arap Limo questioning why leaders would resort to derogatory remarks against one another.
Others suggested that the situation could have been handled differently had someone intervened before the disagreement escalated.
The public reaction has added to scrutiny of the county’s top leadership, with residents questioning the working relationship between the governor and his deputy and calling for greater maturity in handling disagreements.
For the women leaders, however, the incident carries a wider significance. They say Prof Cheserek’s treatment should prompt reflection on whether women who win elective positions are accorded the same respect, authority and space to exercise their mandates as their male counterparts.
They insist that holding public office should not mean enduring public humiliation or being treated as subordinate because of one’s gender.
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