National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has slapped East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman with a 90-day suspension for her involvement in a physical altercation with nominated lawmaker Umulkheir Harun on parliamentary grounds on Tuesday.

"Honourable Falhada is, therefore, excluded from accessing parliament buildings and facilities for a period of 90 days save on the day and time when she will deliver her written explanation, in which case she will be escorted by the Sergeant at Arms," Wetangula stated.

The brawl was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, drawing public attention and controversy. Addressing the House on Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Wetangula condemned the incident, stating that Iman’s actions were unacceptable and undermined the integrity of Parliament.

"After reviewing the video and the incident report, it is clear that this violent altercation casts Parliament in a negative light and has the potential to damage the dignity and integrity of this House," Wetangula remarked. "This behavior is unbecoming of a public official and will not be tolerated," Wetangula observed.

However, the nominated MP Umulkher Harun will be offered the chance to explain herself before the house. "Given that the incident involved a sitting member and a former member, I am inclined to first accord the current member, Honourable Harun, the opportunity to explain herself and to apologise to the house," the Speaker stated.

According to Wetangula, Iman does not have the same privileges as MPs who sit in the Kenyan National Assembly, particularly regarding the right to address the House directly. Therefore, the Speaker directed that she explains her actions in writing.

EALA MPs, are granted certain privileges, including access Parliament and its facilities such as the gym.

Since their public brawl, both MPs have since expressed regret over the incident.

"Upon reviewing the response by Falhada, I will guide the House accordingly on any further action that can be taken based on the apologies I have directed to issue," said Wetangula.

The Speaker cautioned the MPs against filming such occurrences and further noted that sanctions would be taken on the MPs who recorded and shared the video capturing the incident.

"The recording of the video of the altercation is claimed to have been done by a sitting member of the House. Should the claims be ascertained, it should also attract sanctions under the Parliament Powers and Privileges Act Cap 6,” the speaker announced.

 

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