Governor Guyo criticised by gender commission over remarks targeting Senator Fatuma
The Commission appealed to all leaders, both men and women, to reject sexist and demeaning language directed at women and to challenge its use in public discourse.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has come under criticism from the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) for remarks directed at Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
The Commission expressed deep concern over comments made by Governor Guyo during a public forum, where he allegedly made degrading and disrespectful statements targeting Senator Fatuma.
The remarks were described as an attempt to undermine the Senator’s constitutional role, suggesting that her calls for accountability in the use of public funds were motivated by personal frustrations related to her private life.
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“The remarks made by the Governor are not only disrespectful and demeaning, they are emblematic of a deeper problem of gender-based violence expressed through words and attitudes that humiliate, degrade and intimidate women in leadership and public service,” NGEC said.
The Commission stated that such conduct constitutes psychological and gender-based violence under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015, and violates the dignity and equality of women as guaranteed by the Constitution.
It further noted that public officers, including governors, are expected to uphold respect for their offices and for the citizens they serve.
“These statements are unbecoming of a public officer and offend both the spirit and letter of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, which requires all State officers to demonstrate respect for the people, uphold the dignity of their office, and bring honour to the nation.”
The Commission reiterated that Senator Fatuma was acting within her constitutional mandate under Article 96—to represent counties, protect their interests at the national level, and oversee the use of national revenue allocated to county governments.
It described attempts to intimidate or silence her as unlawful and unacceptable.
“The Governor must issue an immediate and unqualified public apology to Senator Fatuma, to the women of Kenya, and the public at large for his offensive and unlawful remarks,” stated NGEC.
The Commission has also called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate the Governor’s conduct and hold him accountable if found culpable.
It further urged the Council of Governors to publicly condemn such remarks and to promote integrity and respect for gender equality in leadership roles.
The Commission appealed to all leaders, both men and women, to reject sexist and demeaning language directed at women and to challenge its use in public discourse.
“The Commission stands in full solidarity with Senator Fatuma and commends her for her courage and commitment to transparency and accountability,” it stated. “No woman leader should be attacked or silenced for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.”
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, Governor Guyo dismissed requests by Senator Fatuma for the allocation of development funds, stating that 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 will not give you any development money... Isiolo County funds will not be handed to you.”)
He went on to state that funds intended for development in Isiolo would be used strictly for projects that benefit residents directly, such as upgrading Oldonyiro Health Centre from a dispensary to a Level 4 facility, and not for personal gain.
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