This afternoon, Senator Fatuma Dullo delivered a powerful personal statement in the Kenyan Senate, confronting derogatory and misogynistic remarks allegedly made by Isiolo County Governor Abdi Guyo during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, in Oldonyiro Ward, Isiolo County.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, highlights the persistent challenges faced by women in Kenyan politics and underscores Dullo’s unwavering commitment to her oversight role despite personal and gendered attacks.
The Incident: Governor Guyo’s Derogatory Remarks
During the Madaraka Day event, Governor Guyo reportedly dismissed Senator Dullo’s requests for development funds, stating, “Utapiga kelele na hakuna pesa ya maendeleo ntakupatia… Pesa ya Isiolo County huwezi patiwa” (You will make noise, but I won’t give you a single cent for development… Isiolo County funds will not be given to you).
Beyond this, he allegedly made inappropriate and deeply personal remarks about Dullo’s marital status and rumored relationships, insinuating that her oversight efforts were driven by personal frustrations rather than her constitutional mandate.
These comments were widely condemned as sexist, defamatory, and an attempt to undermine Dullo’s authority as a senator tasked with holding the county government accountable.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) swiftly labeled Guyo’s remarks as psychological and gender-based violence, arguing that they violated Articles 27 and 28 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantee equality and human dignity.
The remarks also contravene the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015, and leadership integrity standards outlined in Kenya’s legal framework.
Senator Dullo’s Defiant Senate Statement
In her Senate address, Senator Dullo accused Governor Guyo of being unfit to lead Isiolo County, asserting that his remarks were a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence her.
She emphasized that her oversight role, which includes scrutinizing the county’s use of public funds, was the true target of Guyo’s attacks.
Dullo linked his leadership to broader governance failures in Isiolo, including stalled development projects like a modern market, an abattoir, and the expansion of Isiolo International Airport.
She also raised concerns about drug trafficking, which she claimed was devastating the county’s youth under Guyo’s watch.
Dullo called for immediate action, demanding a public apology from Guyo and urging investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Framing the incident as an attack on all women in leadership, she stated, “This is not just an attack on me, but on every woman in Kenyan politics and pastoralist women who strive for leadership roles.”
Her statement resonated as a rallying cry against gendered disinformation and personal attacks aimed at discouraging women’s political participation.
Widespread Support for Senator Dullo
Dullo’s statement ignited a firestorm of support from women leaders, male allies, and institutions across Kenya.
KEWOPA, led by Chairperson Leah Sankaire, condemned Guyo’s remarks as “sexual and gender-based violence,” demanding an immediate apology and a commitment to refrain from such behavior.
The Kenya Women Senators Association echoed this sentiment, describing the remarks as a deliberate attempt to frustrate Dullo’s oversight role and calling for solidarity among women leaders to challenge such attacks.
Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian delivered a scathing rebuke on the Senate floor, declaring, “I want women from Isiolo to come out and write an impeachment against this Governor. If you see your friend’s head being shaved, you are next.”
“This is an attack on women in Kenya, pastoralist women,” Hezena’s remarks underscored the systemic nature of gendered attacks in Kenyan politics and the need for collective action.
Male senators also rallied behind Dullo. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot called Guyo’s remarks “terribly embarrassing” and urged Dullo to file a formal complaint with the EACC, labeling the incident an ethics violation.
Mandera Senator Ali Roba, leader of the UDM Party, described Guyo’s comments as “unAfrican and unIslamic,” praising Dullo’s distinguished career as a lawyer, former provincial administrator, and elected senator in a region where women rarely secure such roles.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua referenced past incidents attributed to Guyo, including disruptions during a presidential visit to Isiolo in February 2025, calling for the Senate to take decisive action against the governor.
The NGEC issued a strong statement demanding an “immediate, unqualified apology” from Guyo to Dullo, Kenyan women, and the public.
They called for investigations into his conduct, citing violations of constitutional principles and laws against gender-based violence.
Public sentiment, amplified through posts on X and media reports, reflected widespread outrage, with many framing the incident as part of a broader pattern of gendered attacks on women in Kenyan politics.
The Dullo-Guyo Feud: A History of Tensions
The Madaraka Day incident is the latest escalation in an ongoing feud between Senator Dullo and Governor Guyo, rooted in disputes over governance, accountability, and resource allocation in Isiolo County.
Dullo has consistently raised concerns about mismanagement under Guyo’s administration, including incomplete infrastructure projects and alleged misappropriation of funds.
Her oversight efforts have led to multiple Senate summons for Guyo, which he has frequently ignored, culminating in a warrant of arrest issued on October 1, 2024, for failing to address concerns about recruitment and employment practices.
In November 2024, Dullo alleged a plot to assassinate her, claiming that county officials had discussed targeting her due to her persistent scrutiny. She reported the matter to the DCI, further straining relations with Guyo.
The February 2025 incident during President William Ruto’s visit to Isiolo, where Dullo accused Guyo of orchestrating heckling to undermine her, added fuel to the fire, highlighting the deep-seated political rivalry.
Broader Implications for Women in Kenyan Politics
Senator Dullo’s ordeal shines a spotlight on the systemic challenges faced by women in Kenyan politics.
Gendered disinformation, personal attacks, and attempts to undermine their authority remain pervasive barriers to women’s political participation.
KEWOPA’s 2024–2027 strategic plan, which prioritizes advancing women parliamentarians’ roles, underscores the need to address these issues structurally.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about protecting women leaders from such attacks and upholding constitutional principles of equality and dignity.
Dullo’s resilience in the face of these challenges serves as an inspiration. As a trailblazer who rose from a provincial administrator to a prominent senator in a male-dominated region, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving Isiolo’s people.
Her call for accountability resonates as a demand for justice not only for herself but for all women striving to break barriers in leadership.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Accountability
Senator Fatuma Dullo’s bold Senate address on June 4, 2025, has brought the issue of gendered attacks in Kenyan politics to the forefront.
By confronting Governor Abdi Guyo’s derogatory remarks head-on, she has not only defended her dignity but also amplified the voices of women leaders across the country.
The overwhelming support from KEWOPA, the NGEC, fellow senators, and the public underscores the urgency of holding leaders accountable for actions that undermine constitutional values.
As investigations by the DCI, NCIC, and EACC loom, the nation watches to see whether Governor Guyo will heed calls for an apology and face consequences for his actions.
For now, Senator Dullo stands as a beacon of strength, challenging misogyny and advocating for transparent, accountable governance in Isiolo County and beyond.
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