Speaker suspends EALA MP over altercation

Nominated MP Mohamed Umulkher (Umi) Harun at Mini Chambers,County Hall, Nairobi.December 3rd,2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] After more than a day of widespread disrepute, the National Assembly moved to address the viral altercation between two female legislators - East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Iman Falhada and ODM Nominated MP Umulkher Harun - that occurred on Tuesday. Speaker Moses Wetangula yesterday suspended the EALA MP and former Senator Falhada from accessing the precincts of Parliament for a period 90 days. He also ordered that she provide an explanation of what led to the altercation by Monday next week. "With respect to Falhada, the EALA MP, I note she does not have a platform to address this House, I direct that she explains herself to the Speaker of this House and chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission in writing by Monday 5pm April 14. In the meantime, she is forthwith precluded from accessing the precincts of Parliament, its buildings, and facilities for a period 90 days save for the day and time she will deliver her written explanation to the Speaker in which case she will be accompanied by the Serjeant-at-Arms," stated Wetangula. The Speaker, who acknowledged the unfortunate incident during his communication to the House, also demanded that Umulkher apologize to the House for her action. "Ordinarily, such a matter would merit referral to the Committee on Powers and Privileges for consideration. However, given that the incident involved a sitting member and a former member, I am inclined to first give MP Umulkher a chance to explain herself and, based on her explanation, to apologize to the House for the unbecoming conduct," he said. And when Umulkher addressed the legislators, she blamed the altercation on the political tensions between her and Falhada. She explained that on Tuesday afternoon, while on her way to the mosque, she encountered the EALA member. A colleague from the House later joined them and suggested they "have a talk and catch up over an afternoon cup of tea." "During our conversation, I inquired about incidents where she had personally attacked and abused me in public forums, as well as extended her verbal insults to my extended family. I was seeking an audience with her to get the truth, not anticipating that she would throw a cup of tea at me. The incident blindsided me... what was meant to be a normal conversation turned ugly," she said. "...Honourable Falhada attacked me, and it took the intervention of others to stop her, leading to the unfortunate incident yesterday afternoon. I sincerely apologize to this House and the public for the incident and deeply regret what happened." She added, "In my 28 years of life, I have never been involved in any fight and feel bad for what happened yesterday. I apologize to my aggressor, Falhada, for the uncalled-for attack against myself and my family. My oath of office requires me to walk away, even when justified to respond." In an unprecedented turn of events, the nominated MP accused Tigania East legislator Mpuri Amburi of being behind the filming of the altercation, which has since captured national attention. "Mr Speaker, allow me to express my disappointment in those who took advantage of the unfortunate incident and proceeded to record and share with the public one of my lowest moments in life. This reality calls us to extend arms of embrace," she read to the House. In his ruling, the Speaker directed that the matter of who recorded the incident be investigated by the Parliamentary police and the Serjeant-at-Arms. "You (Umulkher) are still not off the hook. Once I hear from Falhada, yourself, and the person who recorded the video, further directions will be given," Wetangula reiterated. Earlier, Falhada took to social media to issue her apology, stating that what transpired between her and Umulkher was undeniably beneath the dignity of the institution they serve and the trust bestowed upon them by Kenyans. She explained that the altercation, which unfolded during a charged session, stemmed from prolonged and intense provocation. She noted that initially, she had exercised restraint in the face of repeated inflammatory remarks, but the situation regrettably escalated beyond her control. "In the heat of the moment, my response crossed the line of decorum expected of a public servant. Let me be unequivocal: no circumstance justifies such a breach of conduct, and I take full accountability for my actions to my colleagues in Parliament," said Falhada. The EALA MP regretted that the incident had cast a shadow over their collective duty to uphold integrity and mutual respect in service to the nation. She also apologized to the members of the public who witnessed the unsettling spectacle via social media. Nominated Senator Miraj Abdullahi downplayed the attention given to the altercation between the two female MPs, stating that while she does not support physical confrontation, women are often treated harshly when such incidents are reported. Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) Nominated Senator Veronica Maina stated that blows and kicks are not a solution to any issue. She emphasized that as female legislators they do not support any form of violence.

Speaker suspends EALA MP over altercation

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Speaker suspends EALA MP over altercation

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