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National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula has strongly condemned what he described as “abhorrent and dishonourable conduct” by Members of Parliament following a physical altercation involving two female legislators outside the precincts of Parliament.
A widely circulated video clip captured nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed and her East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) counterpart Iman Falhada Dekow engaged in a scuffle, wrestling each other to the ground as bystanders tried to separate them.
The footage also captured a heated verbal exchange between the two lawmakers, drawing widespread condemnation, with many Kenyans and observers describing it as disgraceful conduct unbecoming of elected leaders.
In his communication to the House on Wednesday, Speaker Wetang’ula expressed deep disappointment over the incident, warning that such behaviour undermines the dignity of the institution and erodes public confidence in Parliament.
“Honourable Members, if you are unable to argue or reason with each other, leave the scene and wait for another day,” said the Speaker. “There is no justification whatsoever for physical confrontation among legislators, whether inside or outside the House.”
He further stated that upon reviewing the video footage and an incident report submitted to his office, it was clear the altercation had severely damaged the image of Parliament.
“Having reviewed the video and incident report, it’s clear that the violent altercation between Honourable Umulkher Harun Mohamed and Honourable Iman Falhada Dekow casts Parliament in bad light and is likely to reflect adversely on the dignity or integrity of Parliament, and indeed, the sanctity of its presence,” Wetang’ula said.
This comes as Speaker Wetang’ula revealed that several Members of Parliament, concerned with safeguarding the dignity of the House and its precincts, have approached him, urging that he invokes the provisions of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, Cap 6, to have the incident considered by the Committee of Powers and Privileges.
However, the Speaker noted that given the incident involved a sitting member and a former member, he had opted to first grant nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed an opportunity to explain herself and, depending on the explanation, issue a formal apology to the House for her unbecoming conduct.
“With respect to Falhada Dekow, the EALA Member of Parliament, I note that she does not have a platform to address the House on the floor. In this regard, I direct that the member submit a written explanation to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission by 5:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025,” he said.
Speaker Wetang’ula further announced that in the interim, Falhada Dekow would be barred from accessing the precincts of Parliament buildings and facilities for a period of 90 days.
“She will only be allowed access on the date and time of submitting her written explanation to the Speaker, and even then, must be escorted by the Sergeant-at-Arms,” he added.
Upon receiving and reviewing Falhada’s explanation, the Speaker said he would guide the House on any further action to be taken both on her and Umulkher Harun Mohamed based on the nature and sincerity of the apologies submitted.
Additionally, Speaker Wetang’ula expressed concern over claims that the video capturing the altercation was recorded by a sitting Member of the House. If confirmed, he warned, such conduct would equally attract sanctions under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
“Having said that, Honorable Members, I am disheartened by the claim that the recording of the incident was done by one of us. Should this be established, it will not go unpunished,” he cautioned.
“Let us all resist the temptation of engaging in or facilitating such abhorrent conduct that undermines the dignity of this institution.”
Citing past incidents where, while seated in his chambers, he personally observed some Members filming the proceedings of the House, Speaker Wetang’ula recalled summoning and cautioning one Member after noticing the conduct had gone undetected by the presiding Speaker at the time.
He urged Members to refrain from such unhelpful and disorderly behaviour, particularly the act of recording their colleagues during sessions.
“Allow me to remind you that Rule No. 4 of the Speaker’s Rules places the responsibility for the conduct of a visitor squarely on the Member who invited them to Parliament. When you bring a guest into these precincts, you are accountable for their behaviour,” he said.
“Lawyers among us will recall the legal doctrine established in Rylands v. Fletcher which holds that if you collect and keep something dangerous, and it escapes and causes harm, you are strictly liable. The same principle applies here: if you introduce an individual or allow material into this House that causes disorder or damage, you bear responsibility.”
He concluded by urging all Members to act with decorum and assist in preserving the dignity and order of the National Assembly.
“I, therefore, call upon all Honourable Members to assist in enforcing the speaker’s orders necessary for the conduct within the presence of Parliament and the facilities accessible to visitors.”
