Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party nominated MP Umulkher Harun Mohamed has pointed fingers at Tigania East Member of Parliament Mpuru Aburi accusing him of recording and leaking the now-viral video of her heated altercation with East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Harun said she noticed Mpuru Aburi recording the scuffle. She confronted him immediately after the incident and asked him not to release the footage.
Harun questioned Aburi’s intentions, expressing concern that the recording may have been premeditated or part of a targeted attack against her. She also dismissed claims that she went to Parliament looking for a fight, pointing out that she was dressed in white, a colour she says symbolizes peace.
“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.
In a statement shared on social media earlier, Harun blamed Iman for initiating the fight, stating that the EALA legislator came to Parliament to attack her. She described the confrontation as an ambush that caught her completely off guard. Harun noted that the two have had longstanding differences, but said she did not expect the situation to escalate to violence.
She expressed deep regret over the incident and acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, especially given her role as a public figure and a mother. Harun reiterated her commitment to maintaining dignity and respect in public office, adding that she would not comment further on the matter for now.
She also emphasized her values as a Muslim woman and distanced herself from any form of misconduct. Despite the altercation, she said she remained committed to upholding the standards expected of her as a leader.
In her statement, the lawmaker revealed that she had filed a complaint with the relevant authorities and called for a more respectful and constructive political environment. She reminded fellow leaders that while politics can be challenging, violence should never be part of public service.
Iman speaks
Falhada on the other hand has issued a public apology following the dramatic incident.
On Wednesday, April 9, Falhada took to her official X account to apologize for her actions. In a detailed statement, she acknowledged that the scuffle was inappropriate and reflected poorly on Parliament as an institution.
“To the Kenyan Parliament fraternity and the public, I feel compelled to address the regrettable incident that occurred within the corridor of Parliament, involving myself and Nominated MP Hon. Ummul Kheir. What transpired was undeniably beneath the dignity of the institution we serve, and the trust bestowed upon us by the Kenyan people. For this, I offer my unreserved apologies,” she stated.
Adding;
“In the heat of the moment, my response crossed the line of decorum expected of a public servant. Let me be unequivocal: no circumstance justifies such a breach of conduct, and I take full accountability for my actions,” she said.
She went on to express deep regret to her colleagues and the Kenyan public for not upholding the standards expected of an elected leader. She stressed that leaders should always choose dialogue and restraint, even during passionate disagreements.
“To the public who witnessed this unsettling spectacle via social media, I apologize for failing to exemplify the composure and maturity you rightfully expect from your representatives,” she added.
Exchange of blows
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, inside the parliamentary grounds, shocked the country after footage emerged showing the two women physically fighting.
The altercation between Harun and Iman quickly escalated from a verbal exchange to a physical fight. Videos circulating on social media show the two women wrestling on the floor as other lawmakers rush to separate them. In the background, a male MP was heard encouraging bystanders to let the fight continue while he records the incident.
Attempts by fellow MPs to stop the brawl failed.
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