Women Senators slam Isiolo Governor over sexist remarks
On June 1, during the event, Governor Guyo publicly dismissed Senator Fatuma’s calls for the allocation of development funds, saying he would not give her any money.
Women senators have condemned Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo over remarks they described as sexist and demeaning towards nominated Senator Fatuma Dullo during Madaraka Day celebrations in Oldonyiro Ward, Isiolo County.
On June 1, during the event, Governor Guyo publicly dismissed Senator Fatuma’s calls for the allocation of development funds, saying he would not give her any money.
He accused the Senator of misusing public resources and living lavishly.
"Utapiga kelele na hakuna pesa ya maendeleo nitakupatia... Pesa ya Isiolo County huwezi patiwa," he said.
Translation: (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).
Guyo insisted that development funds would only be used for projects that directly benefit the people of Isiolo, such as upgrading the Oldonyiro Health Centre, and not for what he claimed were personal interests.
In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Women Senators Association, led by Senator Veronica Maina, strongly criticised the Governor, saying his words were aimed at frustrating and intimidating 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," said Maina.
The association praised Senator Fatuma for her leadership roles in the Senate, including her chairpersonship of the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, and her active role in 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 statement said.
The Senators accused Governor Guyo of avoiding oversight by launching personal attacks instead of addressing accountability questions.
"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 to take up the matter and explore the possibility of declaring Governor Guyo 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 consider taking legal action against the Governor for defamation and demanded a public apology from him.
"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."
