When Leaders Cross the Line: The Danger of Misogyny in Public Office

The recent remarks by Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo targeting Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo should shock every Kenyan who values dignity, equality, and the rule of law. His crude, misogynistic comments did more than insult a woman in public office they struck at the very foundations of our constitutional democracy.

Senator Dullo was doing what any elected leader must do: hold government accountable for public funds. Instead of engaging on the issues, Governor Guyo chose to attack her personally, twisting her constitutional duty into a matter of private grievance. This is not only disrespectful; it is a clear act of psychological violence, a form of gender-based violence that the law explicitly condemns.

The Constitution is unambiguous. Article 27 guarantees equality and dignity to all citizens. Chapter Six demands integrity, respect, and honour from those in public office.

By resorting to sexist insults, Governor Guyo undermines these constitutional principles and disrespects the office he holds. His words also degrade the youth by reducing them to sexual objects, a behavior no public official should condone or express.

Such conduct cannot be brushed aside as mere “heat of the moment” talk. It reflects deeper, entrenched attitudes that allow gender-based violence to persist, even among those entrusted with leadership. When leaders normalize this kind of language, they legitimize intimidation and silence of women in leadership roles, threatening our progress towards gender equality.

In response, the Commission took a firm stand. The Commission demanded an immediate and unqualified public apology from Governor Guyo to Senator Dullo, the women of Kenya, and the public. It called for investigations by relevant bodies including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission with full accountability if culpability is established.

The Commission also urged the Council of Governors to publicly denounce the remarks and commit to upholding integrity and respect for gender in leadership. Finally, it called on all leaders to reject and speak out against sexist and demeaning language in public discourse.

Senator Fatuma Dullo showed courage standing firm in her constitutional role despite these attacks. She deserves not only our solidarity but our full support in creating a Kenya where women leaders can serve without fear of degradation or intimidation.

The message is clear: Our democracy depends on respect, accountability, and equality. Misogyny from any leader has no place in Kenya’s public life.