Women senators condemn Governor Guyo over sexist remarks targeting Fatuma Dullo

Women Senators have condemned Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo over what they described as demeaning and sexist remarks aimed at nominated Senator Fatuma Dullo during Madaraka Day celebrations held in Oldonyiro Ward, Isiolo County.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, Governor Guyo dismissed requests by Senator Fatuma Dullo to allocate her development funds, saying he would not give her a single cent.

He accused the Senator of living lavishly and allegedly using public funds in questionable deals.

“Utapiga kelele na hakuna pesa ya maendeleo ntakupatia... Pesa ya Isiolo County huwezi patiwa,” he said.

(You can make all the noise you want, but I won’t give you any development money... Isiolo County funds will not be handed to you).

He went on to claim that money meant for development in Isiolo would strictly be used for projects that benefit residents directly, such as upgrading Oldonyiro Health Centre from a dispensary to a Level 4 facility and not for personal gains.

In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Women Senators Association, led by Chairperson Senator Veronica Maina, condemned the Governor’s utterances, describing them as a blatant attack meant to frustrate and demean Senator Fatuma.

“This is a blatant attempt to frustrate, demean and intimidate Senator Fatuma, and it must be called out for what it is. These remarks perpetuate dangerous stereotypes with the aim of discouraging women’s participation in public life,” Maina said.

The association praised Senator Fatuma as a respected public servant, noting her role as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, and as an active member of the County Public Accounts Committee.

“We commend her resilience and continued dedication to her work despite such outrageous remarks intended to distract her from contributing to substantive issues that matter to her constituents and the public at large,” the association said.

The Senators faulted Governor Guyo for shifting attention from accountability questions by launching personal attacks instead of addressing legitimate oversight concerns.

“As leaders, we must engage in politics that respect the integrity of each player regardless of their gender, not politics that promote gender smears that cheapen the political space,” they said.

They called on the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) to initiate proceedings that could see Governor Guyo declared unfit to hold public office under Chapter 6 of the Constitution.

“The Constitution of Kenya guarantees equality and protection from discrimination. Yet too often, women are targeted unfairly and discriminated against based on their gender,” Maina said.

The Senators further urged Senator Fatuma to take legal action against the Governor over defamation and demanded a public apology from him.

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“It is unfortunate that the Governor of Isiolo, on a day when he should have been showcasing the gains of devolution and articulating his agenda to the people of Isiolo, chose to engage in a mudslinging exercise, oblivious of the meaning of Madaraka,” they said.

“We stand united in our resolve to safeguard the gains made by women leaders and demand that Governor Guyo apologise for his offensive remarks. We also call upon all leaders to embrace an inclusive political landscape.”