Hanna Wendot Cheptumo

Hanna Wendot Cheptumo is a Kenyan lawyer and politician. She is the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, appointed by President William Ruto in April 2025.

Biography

Cheptumo was born and raised in Kenya. She is the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away in February 2025. She co-managed the family’s legal practice and previously served as a cooperative officer at Nyayo House. She is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds qualifications in cooperative management.

Cheptumo holds a law degree and has extensive experience in public service and legal practice. Her nomination to the Cabinet followed a reshuffle aimed at revitalizing the Ministry of Gender, which had lacked a substantive leader since August 2024.

She assumed office during a time of heightened concern over gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya. Her appointment was seen as both a continuation of her late husband's legacy and a strategic move to address ongoing gender-related issues in the country.

During her vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Cheptumo made controversial remarks suggesting that many femicide victims were uneducated women, while implying that educated victims were sometimes motivated by financial gain. These comments sparked public criticism and concern among legislators and civil society groups.

Despite the controversy, she was approved by Parliament and continues to serve in her Cabinet role.