Mutula Kilonzo Jr Suspends CEC After Uproar On Claim Menstruating Women Attract Crocodiles
The statement expressed regret to the people of Makueni and Kenya at large, stressing that Dr Nzilani’s views were personal and did not represent the official stance of the county administration.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Makueni County Government has suspended its Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism, Dr Sonia Nzilani, for 45 days over controversial remarks targeting menstruating women.
In a statement on Monday, January 20, the Office of Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili distanced the county government from Dr. Nzilani's comments. The statement expressed regret to the people of Makueni and Kenya at large, stressing that Dr Nzilani’s views were personal and did not represent the official stance of the county administration.
"The County Government of Makueni has taken note, with grave concern, of the heated public discourse and escalating tensions, both online and offline, regarding remarks attributed to Ms. Sonia Nzilani, the County Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Trade. Marketing. Industry. Culture, and Tourism. The comments, interpreted by many as insensitive and dismissive of menstrual sensitivity, have understandably caused widespread discontent," the statement read in part.
Additionally, in its adherence to its commitment to listening to its people and upholding the dignity of all citizens, the county government issued its unreserved apologies for the remarks made by Nzilani to the people of Makueni and Kenya at large.
Suspended Makueni Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism, Dr Sonia Nzilani. /PHOTO
"The statement made by the CECM does not represent the Government of Makueni County. Therefore, we acknowledge the concerns of the public and affirm our determination to address this matter promptly and decisively," added the statement.
"The County Government of Makueni operates within the constitutional framework of Kenya. particularly respecting the provisions of Article 33, which guarantees freedom of expression. However, this freedom is not absolute and must not infringe upon the rights and dignity of others, as safeguarded under Article 28."
This decision was made by Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., following a wave of public outrage in response to the statements made by the ECM. The controversy emerged during the funeral of a 17-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a crocodile attack while fetching water from the Athi River in Kithaayoni, Kathonzweni sub-county.
During the burial ceremony on Friday, January 17, Dr Nzilani suggested that the crocodile had attacked the girl because she was menstruating, claiming that crocodiles are drawn to the scent of menstruating women.
“Crocodiles mostly attack women, especially when they are on their periods. The smell produced during menstruation attracts crocodiles. Parents should monitor their children and avoid sending them to fetch water during this time,” Nzilani said.
This statement quickly sparked a backlash from locals, advocacy groups, and experts, who denounced the remarks as disrespectful and scientifically unfounded.
Many people found the comments to be insensitive and damaging, especially given the importance of promoting accurate information about menstrual health and wildlife safety.
The young girl’s death raised alarm in the region, where fetching water from River Athi is a daily task for many families. While the measure aimed to reduce the risks posed by crocodile attacks, questions were raised on whether the move was well-informed and if there was scientific evidence to back the claim from the minister.
Crocodiles are often thought to be attracted to menstrual blood, but scientific evidence supporting Nzilani's claim is limited. However, the belief stems from the fact that many wild animals, including crocodiles, have highly developed senses of smell and can be drawn to the scent of blood.
There is no definitive research proving that menstrual blood specifically attracts crocodiles more than other types of blood. That said, research done by the Florida Museum indicates that shark’s sense of smell is powerful, allowing them to find prey from hundreds of yards away. Therefore, menstrual blood in the water could be detected by a shark, just like any urine or other bodily fluids.
However, there is no positive evidence that menstruation is a factor in shark bites. More evidence suggests when swimming the water pressure will temporarily stop the flow of menstrual blood, decreasing the chances any blood is released into the water.
