National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi compelled Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa to give an apology to Nairobi County women representative Esther Passaris after a spat between the two on November 22, in Parliament.
The speaker’s directive came after Passaris rose on a point of order castigating Barasa’s demanding that he apologises on the floor of the house for going against the standing orders.
“I rise on the standing orders 107 and 107b that speaks about the conduct of a member in this house. The standing orders provide for the procedure of dealing with such conduct,” remarked Passaris.
“The member threatened to punch me in the house and went further to use of non-parliamentary language against me when I demanded that he withdraw his utterances,” added Passaris.
The Nairobi legislator went forward and asked the speaker to deal with Barasa as the standing orders dictated.
“Kenya is a signatory to many treaties against abuse on women, I, therefore, ask the speaker to compel the MP to withdraw his abusive utterances."
Passaris’ request was gladly executed by the house speaker who went ahead to compel Barasa to give an apology.
“After consulting the Hansard I find Hon. Barasa’s utterances offensive to the fellow member and to women in this house at large,” remarked the speaker.
“I, therefore, direct that the honorable member apologise both to Hon. Passaris and to the house at large for interrupting the normal house sessions,” added Speaker Muturi.
“I apologise to Hon Passari and withdraw my remarks. I equally invite her for dinner today at 7:30 p.m,” Barasa obliged.
Differences between Barasa and Passaris occurred on November 22 at the floor of the house after a comment from Barasa that Passaris found to be offensive to women.
Speaker Justin Muturi tried to intervene on the issue to no avail as members took sides in the scuffle that ensued even as Passaris and Barasa continued exchanging insults.
Finally, the speaker then called the house to order and cautioned the members to stick to the codes of conduct or risk measures as indicated on the standing orders.
