By KPC Reporter and Courtesy
Two legislators are in trouble after they were caught on tape engaged in a physical altercation within the precincts of Parliament.
The National Assembly on Wednesday banned East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Falhada Iman from accessing the precincts of Parliament for 90 days.
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This followed Iman’s physical altercation with ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed on April 8.
It was not immediately clear as to why the two decided to go physical even as attempts were made to separate them.
Former MPs and EALA lawmakers are accorded an array of privileges by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) 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 PSC 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.
He 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,” the speaker 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.
He said the scuffle cast Parliament in a bad light and reflected adversely on its integrity, dignity, and the sanctity of the institution,” he added.
The two 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 from the public.
Many Kenyans and observers described it as disgraceful conduct unbecoming of elected leaders.
