The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has demanded a probe into the unauthorised recording of a fight that erupted between two legislators on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 9, after a viral video on social media, KEWOPA condemned the person who recorded the video, saying it violated the privacy of the two Members of Parliament and the dignity of the August House. They termed the incident as unfortunate.
"We are also alarmed by the video footage of the incident that has circulated on the social media. The unauthorised recording and dissemination of such content not only violate the privacy of those involved but also compromise the dignity of the Parliament as an institution," KEWOPA stated.
The viral video showed UDA-nominated MP Falhada Dekow Iman in a physical confrontation with her ODM-nominated counterpart Umulkher Harun Mohamed at the Parliament Buildings.
The KEWOPA Chairperson, Leah Sankaire, said in the statement that the MPs could solve the incident with calmness and emotional intelligence even in difficult moments.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, on the other hand, condemned the incident; thus, suspending Falhada's ban from the House is set to last for at least 90 days, and the EALA MP is expected to table a written apology within that time.
"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 said on Wednesday afternoon.
Falhada Dekow Iman issued an apology for a physical confrontation, admitting that the incident was inappropriate and did not reflect the values of the institution or the expectations of the people they serve.
“I feel compelled to address the regrettable incident that occurred within the corridor of parliament, involving myself and nominated MP UmulKheir.”
“What transpired was undeniably beneath the dignity of the institution we serve and trust bestowed upon us by the Kenyan people. For this, I offer my unreserved apologies,” she said.
She explained that the clash happened during a tense session and was triggered by prolonged and intense provocation.
“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,” she added.
Falhada also apologised to her fellow MPs and to the public, mostly those who witnessed the incident on social media, saying she had failed to show the maturity and calm expected from leaders.
“To my colleagues in Parliament, I deeply regret that this incident has cast a shadow over our collective duty to uphold integrity and mutual respect in service to the nation. To the public who witnessed this unsettling spectacle via social media, I apologise for failing to exemplify the composure and maturity you rightfully expect from your representatives,” the statement reads.
She emphasised that disagreements should be handled respectfully and through the right channels and media. The unauthorised recording and dissemination of such content not only violate the privacy of those involved but also compromise the dignity of Parliament as an institution," KEWOPA stated.
