The National Assembly has barred East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Falhada Iman from accessing Parliament’s precincts for 90 days following a physical altercation with ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed on April 8.
Although no longer a sitting MP in the Kenyan Parliament, Falhada, like other former legislators and EALA members, enjoys several privileges granted by the Parliamentary Service Commission. These include access to facilities such as the lounge, gym, and catering services.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula announced the disciplinary action, ordering the former nominated senator to issue 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 said he had reviewed video footage of the altercation and an incident report before deciding to grant both lawmakers 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 further directives would be issued once MP Umulkher presents her apology and Falhada submits her formal response.
Since Falhada no longer holds a seat in the Kenyan Parliament, Wetang’ula clarified that her only means of addressing the matter 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, captured in widely circulated videos, stunned the nation as it showed the two lawmakers in a physical struggle within Parliament’s premises. The altercation escalated into a chaotic scene, with the MPs wrestled to the ground as shocked colleagues rushed in to break up the fight.
A Sergeant-at-Arms intervened, assisted by other lawmakers, to separate the two and restore order.
