Domestic violence activist calls for NDP leadership candidate Kinew to 'acknowledge what he did'

Manitoba NDP leadership hopeful Wab Kinew'srecent disclosures about two charges of domestic assault in 2003 do not go far enough for Zita Somakoko.

Somakokowas herself a victim of violence at the hands of her husband 16 years ago. The active member of the NDP shared her dismay at Kinew's responses with Steve Ashton, the other contender in the provincial NDP leadership race.

The move prompted Ashtonto call on Kinew on Tuesdayto open up about what happened.

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"The matter was investigated and the charges were dropped," Kinewtold reporters last week. He refused to provide further details in order to "protect the identity of the people involved," he said.

"If Mr.Kinewis so remorseful and such a changed man, how come we didn't hear any apology?"Somakokoasked in an interview with CBC News.

Kinewtold CBC News he doesn't know Somakoko personally, "but it's clear thatshe's a strong advocate for women," he said.

He said he's working to be an advocate for endinggender-based violence.

"I want to say clearly that I believe victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment face real barriers to being heard and having justice in our society," he said. "I know these are major problems and I want to be an ally in the work to end it."

'Outraged'

Somakoko said when she read Kinew'scomments she was "outraged," and she insists the MLA for Fort Rouge should explain much more about what happened in 2003.

"He needs to at least acknowledge what he did," she said.

"He put out a book that he says he was transparent in all of his past dealings. Why did he not discuss that in the book? Or mention it? Why did he not mention it when he was running for MLA?"

Kinewpublished his memoir, The Reason You Walk,in 2015. The memoir detailedsome of his past brushes with the law but did not address the 2003 assault allegations.

"My vetting process with the party was thorough, and they were fully aware of the changes I've made in myself over the past decade," he said.

Somakokohas organized events to highlight the plight of women who have been the victims of domestic violence. She says reading Kinew'sresponses to his 2003 charges triggered memories of her own experiences.

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Somakokosays the NDP shouldtake a long look at how it reviewed Kinew'spast history and his candidacy for leadership.

"I mean, are we so afraid of an empty chair that we will get anyone to fill that chair?" Somakokosaid.

Shesaid at first, she thought the young, charismatic Kinewmight be a good candidate for the party's leadership. She said she has changed her mind, but is not sure if she'll support Steve Ashton.