A dramatic scene unfolded within Parliament buildings on Tuesday afternoon when two female MPs became embroiled in a heated and physical altercation.
In a video that quickly went viral on social media, ODM-nominated MP Umul Kher Harun and EALA MP Falhada Iman were seen exchanging words that rapidly escalated into a scuffle.
The footage shows the two legislators exchanging insults and engaging in a physical confrontation, which prompted fellow female MPs and Parliament security to step in.
The Sergeant-at-Arms was eventually able to separate the MPs, but the two continued to hurl insults at each other even after being restrained.
In a statement posted on social media following the incident, MP Umul Kher expressed regret, calling the altercation “unfortunate.” She claimed that the EALA legislator had long opposed her work and accused her of launching an unprovoked attack.
“My colleague from EALA, who has consistently opposed my work, acted in a manner I find unacceptable. She came to Parliament with the sole intention of attacking me. The incident blindsided me, and I was left questioning what provoked this ambush,” Umul Kher stated.
In a phone interview EALA MP Falhada Iman offered a different version of events, alleging that the altercation began after her counterpart accused her of insulting her father.
Both MPs have since filed reports at the Parliament police station, with authorities having received their statements. The two have expressed regret over the incident.
The one-minute video, which continues to circulate online, has sparked widespread condemnation from the Kenya Women Senators Association.
All eyes are now on the National Assembly to see if Speaker Moses Wetangula will address the matter in the afternoon session.
