On 27th April 2023, a fearless group of unapologetic grassroots feminists—Ruth Mumbi, Editar Ochieng, Maureen Otieno (aka Petit), Njeri Kamau, Nduta Mwangi, among other powerful women—staged a flash mob protest, standing in fierce solidarity with the mother of MP Kaluma’s child, who had taken him to court for failing to pay child support. Ironically, this was the same MP who, under the guise of promoting “family values,” has pushed homophobic, anti-SRHR, and anti-queer legislation—legislation that systematically oppresses marginalized communities. Yet, when it came to his own responsibilities, he refused to provide school fees for his own daughter until compelled by the courts and the force of this bold protest.

In retaliation, bloggers hired to counter the protest targeted Ruth Mumbi  Editar Ochieng, Maureen Akinyi aka Petit,Njeri Kamau, and Nduta Mwangi, singling out these five powerful women for being vocal and labeling them as an “army of five lesbians paid to tarnish the MP’s good name.” In a stunning act of resistance and solidarity, these activists reclaimed the label, proudly owning it as a banner against stigma, asserting lesbian identity, and refusing to be silenced. These five radical feminists embodied courage, showing that no smear campaign could shake their commitment to justice and liberation for all.

Women Collective Kenya 27th April,2023