NGEC condemns Isiolo Governor's 'sexist' remarks, demands apology

National Gender and Equality Commission(NGEC) Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa on January 27, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has strongly condemned Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo for making “crude, misogynistic” remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo.

NGEC has demanded an immediate public apology, and further called for investigations into the governor’s conduct.

Governor Guyo, speaking at a recent public event in Isiolo County, allegedly sought to discredit Senator Dullo’s push for accountability in the county’s use of public funds by making disparaging comments about her personal life.

In the statement issued Tuesday, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa described the governor’s remarks as disrespectful and demeaning, adding that they amounted to gender-based psychological violence.

“These statements are unbecoming of a public officer and offend the spirit and letter of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity,” Jaldesa said.

“They humiliate, degrade and intimidate women in leadership and public service.”

The Commission noted that Senator Dullo was operating within her constitutional mandate under Article 96, which tasks Senators with representing counties and overseeing the use of public resources.

“Attempts to intimidate, shame or silence her for doing so are unlawful, unacceptable, and must be met with firm institutional response,” she added.

NGEC also took issue with Guyo’s reference to a young man in a sexually suggestive context, saying it demeaned Kenya’s youth and violated their constitutional protections.

The Commission wants Governor Guyo to meet five demands including a public apology to Senator Dullo, women, and the general public, a separate apology to the youth, and investigations by the EACC, DCI, and NCIC into the governor’s conduct.

Additionaly, NGEC has called on the Council of Governors to censure their colleague and urged political leaders and professionals to denounce sexist language.

 “No woman leader should be attacked or silenced for doing what the Constitution demands of them,” said Jaldesa.