Isiolo, Kenya| In a bold and impassioned stand against what he describes as pervasive moral decay in Kenyan politics, former Isiolo South Member of Parliament Abdi Koropu Tepo has vehemently condemned attempts to demean and sexualize female leaders.
His remarks, delivered amid escalating political tensions in Isiolo County, serve as a rallying cry for mutual respect, gender equality, and a shift toward substantive, issue-driven discourse in leadership.
As Kenya continues to grapple with gender disparities in its political landscape, Koropu’s statement highlights the urgent need to protect and empower women in positions of power, resonating far beyond the arid plains of Isiolo.
Koropu, a seasoned politician known for his tenure as the MP for Isiolo South from 2017 to 2022, made these comments in direct response to recent barbs from his political adversaries.
Speaking out against what he perceives as personal attacks laced with sexism, the former lawmaker didn’t mince words: “Don’t sexualize leaders,” he declared, urging his peers to rise above petty tactics that undermine women’s contributions to society.
This pointed rebuke comes at a time when Kenyan politics is increasingly scrutinized for its treatment of female figures, with critics often resorting to gendered insults rather than policy critiques.
The Spark: Political Rivalry and Personal Attacks in Isiolo
The controversy stems from ongoing rivalries in Isiolo County, a region marked by ethnic diversity, resource challenges, and fierce political competition.
Koropu, who represented Isiolo South under the Kenya Patriots Party (KPP) banner, has remained an influential voice even after losing his seat in the 2022 elections to Jubilee Party’s Mohammed Tubi.
His critics, whom he identifies as political opponents, have reportedly targeted him with accusations that veer into personal territory, including insinuations involving women in leadership roles.
While specifics of the recent criticisms remain veiled in Koropu’s public statements, they appear tied to broader county-level disputes.
Just days before his remarks, on November 2, 2025, Koropu publicly cautioned five Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied with former Governor Mohamed Roba, accusing them of breaching constitutional principles on integrity and accountability by missing key assembly sessions.
This intervention underscores his continued involvement in local governance issues, potentially fueling backlash from rivals who may be using gendered narratives to discredit him or associated female leaders.
Isiolo’s political scene has been no stranger to controversy. Earlier in June 2025, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) condemned misogynistic utterances by Isiolo County Governor Abdi Guyo, labeling them as unlawful and detrimental to gender equality.
Such incidents reflect a troubling pattern in Kenyan counties, where women leaders face disproportionate scrutiny and harassment, often sexualized to diminish their authority.
A Deeper Dive: Koropu’s Political Journey and Advocacy
Abdi Koropu Tepo’s political career is rooted in the challenges and aspirations of Isiolo South Constituency, one of Kenya’s semi-arid areas plagued by issues like water scarcity, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
Born and raised in the region, Koropu’s path to Parliament began with his election in 2017, where he focused on infrastructure, education, and community empowerment.
His term, however, was not without hurdles; in 2018, he faced legal challenges questioning his gazettement as MP, though he persevered until the end of his tenure.
Post-Parliament, Koropu has encountered personal setbacks, including a 2024 court case where he was charged with possession of fake US dollars and an unlicensed firearm – charges he denied, leading to his release on bail.
More recently, in August 2025, he was arrested alongside former MP Abdullahi Banticha over alleged vandalism at the Isiolo County Assembly, amid escalating tensions in county politics.
These events have painted him as a resilient figure, undeterred by adversity, and his latest statement positions him as a defender of ethical politics.
In his address, Koropu emphasized that assaults on women leaders’ personal lives signal “moral decay and political immaturity.”
He argued that such tactics not only harm individuals but also discourage women’s participation in governance, perpetuating a male-dominated arena.
“Attacking women leaders on personal grounds is a sign of weakness,” he stated, calling for a collective pivot to “issue-based politics” that prioritizes development, accountability, and inclusivity.
Broader Implications: Gender Dynamics in Kenyan Politics
Koropu’s plea echoes a national conversation on gender equality in Kenya, where women hold only about 23% of parliamentary seats despite constitutional quotas aiming for one-third representation.
High-profile cases, such as the 2021 backlash against a female MP accused of “trading sex for seats,” illustrate how sexualization is weaponized to sideline women.
Globally, similar issues plague female leaders, from India’s double standards in gendered politics to South Asia’s dynastic narratives that undermine women’s independent achievements.
Experts argue that this toxic environment stifles progress. “Mutual respect is essential for a progressive and inclusive society,” Koropu asserted, advocating for policies that bolster women’s roles in leadership.
Initiatives like the NGEC’s oversight and calls from international bodies for ending sexual abuse in conflict zones align with his vision, but implementation remains key.
Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for Change?
As Isiolo and Kenya at large navigate these challenges, Koropu’s words could spark meaningful reform.
By championing respect and substance over sensationalism, he challenges leaders to foster an environment where women can thrive without fear of personal vilification.
In a nation striving for Vision 2030’s inclusive growth, such advocacy is not just timely – it’s imperative.
For more updates on Kenyan politics, women’s leadership, and Isiolo County developments, stay tuned. Koropu’s message is clear: It’s time to elevate the discourse and build a society where every leader is judged by their actions, not their gender.
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