In an incident that has shocked the political class and ignited fierce debate across the country, a physical altercation between two female Members of Parliament – Umulkher Harun Mohamed of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Falhada Iman of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) – unfolded in full view of colleagues and was captured in a now-viral video.
The fight, which erupted on the grounds of Parliament on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, has triggered disciplinary action, public apologies, finger-pointing, and questions about leadership decorum in Kenya’s political institutions.
Here are five key developments so far:
1. MPs’ conduct
The confrontation between Harun and Iman, two high-profile female legislators, quickly escalated from a verbal disagreement to a physical fight within the precincts of Parliament.
Video footage shows the two women grappling as a fellow woman MP attempts to separate them.
In a particularly troubling moment, a male MP can be heard encouraging the fight while recording the video instead of intervening.
That recording swiftly spread on social media, sparking widespread condemnation and disbelief.
Many Kenyans expressed concern about the state of parliamentary conduct and the example set by elected officials.
Meanwhile, questions continue to swirl about parliamentary ethics and the treatment of female legislators, especially in high-tension political climates.
2. Harun blames Iman, files assault complaint
In a statement released later in the day after the fight, ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun squarely blamed Iman for initiating the attack.
She described the incident as an ambush, asserting that her EALA colleague had come to Parliament with the intention of confronting her, citing long-standing tensions between them.
“Today, an unfortunate incident occurred on the parliamentary grounds—a situation I deeply regret both as a Member of Parliament and as a mother. My colleague from the EALA, who has expressed longstanding differences with my work, acted in a manner that I find unacceptable. She came to Parliament to do nothing but attack me, an incident that blindsided me and left me questioning what faulted the ambush,” she narrated.
Harun emphasized that, as a Muslim woman and public official, she is committed to upholding dignity and decorum.
She confirmed that she had formally filed an assault complaint with relevant parliamentary authorities.
3. Iman issues public apology, cites provocation
Similarly, EALA MP Falhada Iman broke her silence with a lengthy public apology posted on her official X (formerly Twitter) account.
In the statement, she acknowledged that her actions were beneath the dignity of the institution we serve and took full responsibility for the altercation.
“No circumstance justifies such a breach of conduct,” Iman wrote, while also claiming she had endured prolonged and intense provocation.
She promised to submit to internal disciplinary procedures and pledged to learn from the experience.
4. Wetang’ula suspends Iman for 90 days
In a swift response to the incident, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced a 90-day suspension for Iman, citing serious concerns over her behaviour and the reputational damage inflicted on Parliament.
“It is clear that the violent altercation casts parliament in bad light and is likely to reflect adversely on the dignity or integrity of Parliament and indeed the sanctity of the precincts of Parliament,” Wetang’ula said on the floor of the House.
The Speaker directed Iman to submit a written explanation by Monday, April 14, and barred her from accessing Parliament facilities during the suspension period, except when delivering her statement under escort.
While EALA members do not hold full parliamentary privileges in the National Assembly, they are allowed limited access to facilities – privileges Wetang’ula emphasized must be exercised with the utmost respect.
5. Video leak sparks new tensions
In a dramatic twist, Harun publicly accused Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi of being the one who filmed and leaked the video of the fight.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Harun claimed she had seen Aburi recording and had directly asked him not to release the footage.
“I noticed Honourable Mpuru recording. Immediately after the incident, I approached him and told him not to release the video. He was the only person recording. I wonder what his intention was and I wonder if it was a targeted attack. I did not anticipate the fight. I was in a white dress, somebody in white does not come to fight. We wear white to show peace,” she stated.
Aburi has not publicly responded to the accusation.
A broader crisis of conduct?
The altercation has reignited debate about the tone and culture of Kenyan politics, especially as Parliament continues to wrestle with growing polarization and internal party rivalries.
Both women have called for a more respectful and professional political environment going forward.
As disciplinary proceedings begin and investigations into the video leak unfold, the public and Parliament are left to grapple with the fallout of a spectacle many say has brought shame to the country’s democratic institutions.
Martin Oduor
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