Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has sparked outrage from Kenyans after he used derogatory remarks on Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Guyo, who was speaking to a local radio station on Tuesday 11 June, attacked Dullo, accusing her of going to government offices and speaking ill of him.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has come to the Isiolo senator’s defense, saying the words used against her amount to gender-based violence.
“On 11th June, 2024 while appearing on Radio Nagaa, the Governor made disparaging remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo by stating, “Kwani unataka nilale nawe kama venye umelala na wanaume wengine,” words which are inappropriate. Verbal abuse against women constitutes sexual and gender-based violence and should be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” KEWOPA said in a statement.
The association said Senator Dullo is a distinguished national leader and respectable woman who has earned her position through merit and with the support of her community and Kenyans. KEWOPA said the attack on the Isiolo Senator is an affront to all women in leadership positions and across the country.
“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 demanded for an apology from Governor Guyo to Senator Dullo and all women in the country.
KEWOPA also demanded that the Isiolo Governor refrain from making offensive remarks about women in the future.
“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. Additionally, 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,” KEWOPA demanded.
Further, the association called on leaders and members of the public to condemn attacks against women and support efforts in creating a respectable political environment.
