The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has demanded that tough action be taken against Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Through a statement released on Monday, June 2, KEWOPA demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) conduct an urgent probe into the matter, accusing Guyo of making inflammatory and defamatory statements.
“KEWOPA stands in full solidarity with Senator Fatuma Dullo and calls upon the relevant institutions, including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to probe this matter and hold the governor accountable for his inflammatory and defamatory statements,” they stated.
While condemning his recent remarks against Dullo, terming them as “defamatory and misogynistic”, the parliamentary group described Guyo's comments as “character assassination and reflective of the persistent undercurrents of discrimination faced by women in leadership.”
“Such attacks not only diminish the integrity of Senator Dullo but also undermine the dignity and standing of all Kenyan women leaders,” KEWOPA stated.
As per KEWOPA, this was not the first time Dullo had received demeaning remarks from the Governor. They noted that the attacks seemingly stemmed from the Senator holding the Office of the Governor accountable over expenditures and county operations.
Just a day ago, Guyo stirred the pot during a public event, hitting out at the county Senator over county funds. The Governor referenced the Senator’s marital status, implying Dullo was in a relationship with a young man.
In response, KEWOPA averred that Guyo’s comments were out of line and were seen as acts of intimidation, personal attack, and insults meant to dismiss Dullo’s senatorial role in conducting county oversight.
“Attempts to discredit the Senate's oversight mandate through gendered attacks are not just personal affronts, they are direct assaults and violations of constitutionalism, good governance, and the principle of checks and balances,” KEWOPA stated.
KEWOPA further remarked that under the Constitution of Kenya, all leaders were bound to uphold the principles of equality, inclusivity, and respect for political participation, principles that are fundamental to the spirit of devolution and the democratic order we have collectively built.
They also called upon other leaders to respect the rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens, regardless of gender.
“We further urge all leaders, across the political divide, to uphold the values of respect, dignity, and equality,” KEWOPA remarked.
