Kiambu Woman MP Wanjiku Wamuratha Delivers Sensational Lecture on Bedroom Affairs as Part of Gender-Based Violence Initiative

Kiambu Woman MP, Wanjiku Wamuratha, has sparked a national conversation after delivering a provocative lecture to women in Kisii County, urging them to address “bedroom affairs” as a means of tackling gender-based violence (GBV).

The sensational remarks were made during a mentorship program organized by the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) in collaboration with Kisii County MP Doris Donya Aburi on Monday November 19,2024

Wamuratha, along with 24 other women MPs, was hosted at Gesieka in Kitutu Chache North on Monday for a program aimed at raising awareness on issues related to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence.

The mentorship session, which targeted women from across Kisii County, focused on empowering women and equipping them with tools to address these critical issues in their communities.

During her speech, Wamuratha emphasized the importance of open and honest communication within marriages, particularly about intimacy and sexual relationships.

Her comments on “bedroom affairs” raised eyebrows when she suggested that many cases of gender-based violence stem from a lack of communication and mutual understanding between couples, especially in the intimate aspects of their relationships.

She argued that when women and men have honest conversations about their needs, desires, and expectations, it could significantly reduce tensions that often lead to physical and emotional abuse.

In her lecture, Wamuratha shared her belief that women need to take a more proactive role in discussing their sexual and emotional health with their partners.

She asserted that by addressing these sensitive topics openly, women could reclaim control over their bodies and relationships, thereby reducing the vulnerability that often leads to violence.

“I know it’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s necessary. Gender-based violence often arises from a lack of understanding and respect in relationships. When women can confidently express their desires and boundaries, it changes the dynamics in marriage,” Wamuratha said.

Her remarks were met with mixed reactions. Some of the attendees at the mentorship program praised her for tackling a taboo subject that is often overlooked in discussions about gender-based violence. Others, however, felt uncomfortable with the directness of her approach.

However, Wamuratha stood by her message, emphasizing that such uncomfortable but necessary conversations are part of the solution to the larger problem of GBV.

The mentorship program, which was attended by over 200 women from Kisii County, also focused heavily on issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the broader struggle against gender-based violence. Wamuratha and the other MPs used the platform to educate women on their legal rights, the importance of reproductive health, and how to identify and report instances of GBV.

Kisii County, like many parts of Kenya, has a high prevalence of FGM, a practice that continues to affect many young girls and women.

According to local statistics, Kisii County has been a hotspot for this harmful tradition, and community leaders, including women MPs like Wamuratha, have been working tirelessly to eradicate it.

MP Doris Donya Aburi, the host and representative of Kitutu Chache North, stressed the importance of female empowerment and community involvement in tackling harmful cultural practices like FGM.

She commended Wamuratha’s bold stance on addressing issues surrounding intimate relationships, stating that such discussions were key to breaking the silence around sensitive matters of GBV.

“We are here today to empower our women to take control of their bodies, their rights, and their futures. We cannot remain silent in the face of violence, whether it is physical, emotional, or sexual. Every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued,” Aburi said.

Wamuratha’s lecture, which boldly ventured into the realm of sexual health and marital intimacy, also touched on the need for stronger policies that support women’s autonomy over their bodies.

She criticized the lack of adequate support systems for women in abusive relationships and called for the government to do more to enforce laws protecting women from all forms of violence.

“The laws are there, but they need to be implemented more effectively. Women continue to suffer silently in many households, not just from physical violence but from emotional and psychological abuse. We need a society where every woman can speak up, seek help, and expect justice,” Wamuratha added.

Wamuratha’s comments, particularly on bedroom affairs, have sparked debates on social media and within political circles.

Some have lauded her for bringing attention to uncomfortable yet crucial aspects of marital relationships, while others have criticized her approach as too controversial for a public platform.

However, her stance is part of a broader trend among women politicians in Kenya who are increasingly pushing the envelope on issues of gender equality and women’s rights.

Wamuratha, alongside other members of KEWOPA, has been vocal about the need for more robust discussions on gender-based violence, FGM, and women’s sexual and reproductive health.

As Kenya continues to grapple with the alarming rates of GBV, female MPs like Wamuratha and Aburi are using their platforms to spark necessary conversations, break taboos, and advocate for policy changes that support the rights and safety of women.

The mentorship program held in Kisii County is part of a larger initiative to empower women in marginalized communities.

Moving forward, Wamuratha and her colleagues in KEWOPA plan to continue engaging with local communities across the country to combat gender-based violence, promote women’s health, and challenge harmful cultural practices.

The dialogue surrounding women’s rights, intimate relationships, and gender-based violence is clearly evolving in Kenya.