Kenyans Demand Apology from Fox News Host Emily Compagno Over Misleading Comments on Pregnant Women’s Voting Right

In a recent episode of Fox News’ late-night show “Gutfeld!”, host Emily Compagno made a controversial statement regarding the voting rights of pregnant women in Kenya, claiming that they are not only barred from voting but also prohibited from leaving their homes. This assertion has sparked outrage among Kenyans, who have taken to social media and various platforms to label her comments as misleading, condescending, and factually incorrect. Many are now calling for an apology from Compagno and the network.

During her segment, Compagno criticized American celebrities for their concerns about women’s rights in the U.S., suggesting that their complaints were trivial compared to the plight of women in other countries. “What about in Kenya where pregnant women can’t leave the house so they absolutely have no constructive right to vote?” she stated, seemingly unaware of the realities faced by women in Kenya.

The backlash was swift. Kenyan political strategist Pauline Njoroge was among the first to respond, tweeting, “What is this? What is Emily Compagno saying? That in Kenya pregnant women can’t leave the house so they have no right to vote? What does she imagine our country is like? That statement is incorrect, misleading, condescending, and should be withdrawn.”

Esther M. Passaris, a member of Kenya’s National Assembly, also chimed in, emphasizing that pregnant women in Kenya are not only allowed to leave their homes but also enjoy specific privileges when it comes to voting. “Pregnant women in Kenya are allowed to leave the house. Pregnant women in Kenya can vote. Pregnant women get priority on voting lines,” she tweeted, urging Compagno to retract her statement.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya has made significant strides in ensuring that pregnant women, along with the elderly and disabled individuals, have easier access to voting. These groups are allowed to bypass long queues, ensuring that their right to vote is protected and facilitated. This reality starkly contrasts with Compagno’s claims, which many Kenyans found to be not only inaccurate but also damaging to the image of their country.

In response to the growing criticism, Compagno, through a Fox News spokesperson, stood by her remarks, citing two unsourced websites that allegedly supported her claims. One of these sites, Grazia Daily, mentioned cultural norms in western Kenya that supposedly prevent pregnant women from being seen in public. The other, World Population Review, echoed similar sentiments, stating that pregnant women are forbidden from leaving their homes. However, neither of these sources provided any official citations or credible evidence to substantiate their claims.

The lack of credible sourcing has only fueled the fire of discontent among Kenyans, who feel that Compagno’s comments not only misrepresent their country but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women in Africa. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, with hashtags calling for accountability and a retraction of the misleading statements.

The demand for an apology is not just about correcting a false narrative; it is also about respecting the dignity and rights of women in Kenya. The portrayal of pregnant women as helpless victims unable to participate in civic duties undermines the progress that has been made in gender equality and women’s rights in the country.

As the conversation continues, it is clear that the issue extends beyond a single comment made on a television show. It highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media figures to verify their claims, especially when discussing sensitive topics that affect the lives of millions.

In a world increasingly interconnected through social media and global discourse, the responsibility to represent facts accurately has never been more critical. Kenyans are rightfully demanding that their voices be heard and that their rights be acknowledged, not just in their own country but on international platforms as well.

As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen whether Compagno and Fox News will address the concerns raised by Kenyans and issue a formal apology. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of understanding the realities faced by women around the world.

Compagno claimed pregnant women aren’t allowed to leave home and thus have no right to vote, prompting Kenyans to call the claim false and demand an apology.

Fox News host Emily Compagno, while downplaying criticism that women’s rights are under assault in the United States, claimed this week that pregnant Kenyan women are not only denied voting rights but are also prevented from physically leaving their homes.

It didn’t take long, though, for actual Kenyans to call out her comments as misleading and demand the host and network issue a correction.

Despite the backlash, however, Compagno isn’t backing down, instead citing an unsourced website to make her case.

During a July 5 appearance on Fox News late-night “comedy” show Gutfeld!, Compagno took issue with celebrities wading into political issues and allegedly trying to “cancel” the Fourth of July. She chastised those who’ve complained that American women are losing their rights by noting that it pales in comparison to what women in other countries face.

“The insularity of these celebrities is so asinine to me! It is so nauseating. These comments are totally delusional,” the Outnumbered co-host fumed, adding: “We have less voting rights? What about in Kenya where pregnant women can’t leave the house so they absolutely have no constructive right to vote?”

As first flagged by liberal watchdog Media Matters, Compagno’s eyebrow-raising remarks about Kenya quickly drew fire on social media and among African news outlets.

“What is this? What is Emily Compagno saying? That in Kenya pregnant women can’t leave the house so they have no right to vote? What does she imagine our country is like? That statement is incorrect, misleading, condescending, and should be withdrawn,” Kenyan political strategist Pauline Njoroge tweeted.

“Pregnant women in Kenya are allowed to leave the house. Pregnant women in Kenya can vote. Pregnant women get priority on voting lines. Pregnant women do give birth free of charge under the government #lindamama program. Retract your statement,” Esther M. Passaris, a female member of Kenya’s National Assembly, tweeted at Compagno.

As many Kenyans on social media pointed out, the African country’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has actually expanded voting access to pregnant women. Alongside the elderly and those with disabilities, expectant women are able to avoid long queues and immediately skip to the front of the line.

Aside from demanding a correction, many Kenyans urged Compagno and Fox News to apologize for the host’s “ignorant” and “clueless” comments, which they felt had “trashed” their home country.

When reached for comment on the controversy, Compagno—through a Fox News spokesperson—stood by her remarks and pointed to two websites where she found the claim about pregnant women in Kenya supposedly being barred from leaving their homes. This essentially restricts their right to vote, thus her use of the word “constructive” on Tuesday night.

One site, Grazia Daily, wrote that in western Kenya, “women expecting children are prohibited by cultural norms to be seen in public, meaning that a huge portion of women are unable to go out to vote.” The other site, World Population Review, wrote: “Kenyan women are not allowed to take long walks (such as to the polls) and pregnant women are forbidden from leaving the house. High rates of disease and a history of election-related violence also keep women at home.”

Neither of the two websites cite any official sourcing to back up the claims.