The Makueni County Government has placed a 45-day suspension on its Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, following her contentious remarks implying that menstruating women attract crocodiles.
This action was taken by Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., in light of the significant public backlash that arose from the ECM’s statements.
The controversy surfaced during the funeral of a 17-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a crocodile attack while collecting water from the Athi River in Kithaayoni, Kathonzweni subcounty.
At the burial ceremony on Friday, Dr. Nzilani suggested that the crocodile’s attack was linked to the girl’s menstruation, asserting that the scent of menstruating women is appealing to crocodiles.
Her comments quickly provoked outrage from local residents, advocacy organizations, and experts, who criticized the remarks as both disrespectful and lacking scientific basis.
Many individuals deemed the statements insensitive and harmful, particularly in the context of the need to promote accurate information regarding menstrual health and wildlife safety.
In light of the public reaction, the Office of Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili released a press statement on Monday, clarifying that the county government does not endorse Dr. Nzilani’s views.
The statement conveyed regret to the citizens of Makueni and the broader Kenyan public, emphasizing that Dr. Nzilani’s opinions were her own and did not reflect the official position of the county administration.
The Deputy Governor further highlighted Makueni’s ongoing initiatives to challenge myths related to menstrual health, reaffirming the county’s dedication to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusivity.
Makueni has made notable progress in advancing education for girls and women, with programs designed to eliminate harmful stereotypes and enhance access to essential resources.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the county’s commitment to essential infrastructure initiatives, including the Athi-Tunguni-Kilima, Athi-Kalawa, and Athi-Mavindini Water Projects, which are designed to enhance water accessibility and mitigate conflicts between local communities and wildlife along the River Athi.
Dr. Nzilani’s remarks faced significant criticism from wildlife specialists and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Paul Mutua, an immunologist, categorically dismissed the assertion that menstruating women are at a higher risk of crocodile attacks.
Dr. Mutua emphasized that there is no scientific or medical basis for the belief that menstrual blood attracts crocodiles.
He explained that crocodile attacks on humans are mainly influenced by the animal’s predatory nature, territorial instincts, and the closeness of human activities to aquatic environments.
Crocodile attacks pose a concern in areas where human and wildlife interactions are frequent, particularly in regions like Makueni, where communities depend on rivers and water sources for their daily requirements.
Although crocodile attacks on humans are relatively uncommon, they do occur, prompting experts to advocate for public education on safety protocols when engaging with water bodies.
In response to the mounting criticism, Dr. Nzilani subsequently issued a public apology, clarifying that her statements may have been misinterpreted and that she did not aim to incite fear or disseminate false information.
