NAIROBI, Kenya — East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Falhada Decow has been barred from accessing the precincts of Parliament for a period of 90 days following a physical confrontation with ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun.
The decision was issued by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula after reviewing video evidence and official reports detailing the incident, which occurred on the parliamentary grounds yesterday and has since circulated widely on social media.
Speaker Wetang’ula said the suspension was necessary to preserve the dignity of Parliament, stating that Falhada’s conduct fell short of the standards expected of public officials.
“It is regrettable that despite enjoying the privileges of this institution, Hon. Falhada conducted herself in an undignified manner.Having reviewed the video and incident report, the altercation casts Parliament in a negative light and risks eroding public confidence in this House,”the Speaker said.
Although Decow is not a member of the Kenyan National Assembly, Wetang’ula stressed that all individuals operating within its precincts including EALA legislators must uphold its code of conduct.
As part of the disciplinary measures, the Speaker directed that Hon. Falhada submit a written explanation to both himself and the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
She will only be permitted into the Parliamentary premises on that day and only under escort by officers from the Sergeant-at-Arms.
“The EALA MP does not have a platform to address the House directly. She is therefore required to provide her account in writing,” Wetang’ula clarified.
The Speaker also warned of potential sanctions against any MP who may have recorded the video of the incident, with preliminary claims suggesting a sitting member of the House may have been responsible.
“If it is confirmed that a member of this House recorded the video, they will face disciplinary action in accordance with the Powers and Privileges Act.I urge all members to avoid engaging in such disgraceful conduct,”he cautioned.
In an apology on the floor of the House, MP Umulkher Harun recounted the incident, which she said began as a casual conversation over tea at the Parliament garden.
“I approached Hon. Falhada to seek clarity on why she had been insulting me and my family on social media. I did not expect her to react violently. She threw a cup of tea at me, and what started as a conversation escalated beyond my expectations,” the nominated MP said.
Harun added, “I sincerely apologize to this House. In my 28 years of life, I have never been involved in any physical altercation. As a legislator and a Muslim woman, I am deeply embarrassed by what happened.”
She also voiced frustration over the recording and public sharing of the altercation, saying it had turned a personal and painful moment into a spectacle.
“This has been one of the lowest moments of my life.Those who chose to film and circulate this incident should have chosen empathy over humiliation,”she said.
Despite her apology, Speaker Wetang’ula noted that the matter remains under investigation and that Harun may still face consequences depending on the final report.
“Once we receive explanation and the full investigative findings, further action may be taken. This includes those involved in recording the footage,” the Speaker stated.
Police are currently conducting investigations to establish who recorded the incident, with further directions expected once the inquiry is complete.
