Nominated Umulkher MP Harun and EALA lawmaker Falhada ImanThe National Assembly has banned East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Falhada Iman from accessing the precincts of Parliament for 90 days following a physical altercation with ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed on April 8.
Former MPs and EALA lawmakers are accorded an array of privileges by the Parliamentary Service Commission similar to their sitting counterparts, including access to the lounge, gym, and catering facilities.
Speaker of
the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula also directed the former nominated
senator to submit a written apology to both the House and the Parliamentary
Service Commission by 5:00 p.m. on April 14.
“The Honourable Falhada is precluded from accessing the precincts of Parliament for a period of 90 days, except for the day she will deliver her apology to the Speaker, on which she will be escorted by the Sergeant-at-Arms,” Wetang’ula stated.
The Speaker noted that after reviewing video footage of the scuffle and receiving the incident report, he opted to allow the two MPs an opportunity to explain themselves.
“Several members, aggrieved by the incident, have approached me and asked that I invoke Parliamentary Powers and Privileges under Cap 36 and refer the matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee,” he said.
Wetang’ula added that he will issue further directions once EALA MP Falhada submits her formal response and MP Umulkher presents her apology to the House.
Because Falhada is no longer a sitting MP in the Kenyan Parliament, the Speaker said her only avenue to express contrition is through a written apology.
“Having reviewed the video and the incident report, it is evident that both Honourable Falhada and Honourable Harun cast Parliament in a bad light and reflected adversely on its integrity, dignity, and the sanctity of the institution,” he added.
The confrontation shocked the country after videos surfaced showing the two lawmakers in a physical altercation within Parliament’s premises.
The fight saw the MPs wrestled to the ground in a dramatic and chaotic scene, as stunned colleagues rushed to intervene.
A Sergeant-at-Arms had to step in to separate the two, assisted by other lawmakers who attempted to de-escalate the situation.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with many Kenyans and observers describing it as disgraceful conduct unbecoming of elected leaders.
