In Summary:
- Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo faces criticism for derogatory comments about Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
- The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) demands an apology and condemns the remarks as gender-based violence.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo..File image | Courtesy
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo is under intense scrutiny after making offensive comments about Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo during an interview on a local radio station on Tuesday, June 11.
Governor Guyo accused Senator Dullo of speaking negatively about him in government offices, using derogatory language to express his displeasure.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has defended Senator Dullo, describing the governor’s remarks as gender-based violence.
According to a statement from KEWOPA, during an appearance on Radio Nagaa on June 11, 2024, the Governor directed demeaning and s*exually inappropriate comments towards Senator Fatuma Dullo, saying “Kwani unataka nilale nawe kama venye umelala na wanaume wengine,” KEWOPA stated that such verbally abusive language against women qualifies as s*exual and gender-based violence, which should be strongly condemned.
In their statement, KEWOPA condemned the inappropriate nature of Governor Guyo’s words, highlighting that verbal abuse against women constitutes sexual and gender-based violence and should be strongly condemned.
KEWOPA commended Senator Dullo as a distinguished national leader who has earned her position through merit and the support of her community and Kenyans.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.File image | Courtesy
They stated that the governor’s attack is an affront to all women in leadership and across the country.
The association emphasized that Governor Guyo’s comments demean the senator’s dignity, which is protected under Article 28 of the Constitution.
“Moreover, the words by the Governor are unworthy and indignify the Senator’s status as a woman contrary to her constitutionally protected right to human dignity under Article 28 of the Constitution,” KEWOPA stated.
The association has demanded an immediate and unequivocal apology from Governor Guyo to Senator Dullo and all women in Kenya.
They also called on the governor to commit to refraining from making such offensive remarks in the future and to ensure that such behavior does not recur.
“We demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from Governor Guyo to Senator Dullo and all women for the offending remarks and for demeaning and sexualizing Kenyan women,” KEWOPA stated.
The association additionally urged, “We urge the Governor to publicly commit to refraining from making such derogatory statements in the future and to ensure that such behavior is not repeated.”
Furthermore, KEWOPA urged leaders and the public to condemn attacks against women and to support efforts in creating a respectful political environment.