Chaos Erupts at Parliament as Female MPs Engage in Physical Altercation

 A disturbing scene unfolded at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when a physical altercation broke out between two female Members of Parliament (MPs), Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun (ODM) and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman. The confrontation, which was caught on camera, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about decorum and professionalism within Kenya's legislative institutions.

In a video that quickly circulated on social media, the two MPs can be seen exchanging harsh words before lashing out at each other, resulting in a brief but intense physical struggle. The scuffle, which unfolded in full view of other parliamentarians, forced nearby MPs—many of them women—to intervene. As the altercation escalated, one MP could be heard shouting, “Can someone help separate them?” while others called for onlookers to stop filming.

Security personnel, including the Sergeant-at-Arms, were quick to respond and successfully intervened, physically separating the two MPs. However, the verbal exchange continued even after the physical confrontation had been broken up, leaving an atmosphere of tension lingering in the chamber.

While the precise cause of the altercation remains unclear, the incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct and professionalism expected within the halls of Parliament. It also has ignited a public conversation about the increasing levels of tension and conflict among legislators.

Regret and Calls for Professionalism

Following the incident, Umulkheir Harun expressed deep regret and confirmed that she had reported the matter to the relevant authorities. Speaking to the media, the Nominated MP emphasized that the altercation did not reflect her personal values or principles.

“Today, an unfortunate incident occurred on the parliamentary grounds—a situation I deeply regret both as a Member of Parliament and as a mother,” Harun said. “I sincerely regret this occurrence and want to emphasize that I do not endorse or encourage any form of misconduct.”

Harun went on to call for professionalism and mutual respect within Kenya’s political space. “The political landscape is inherently challenging, but there is never justification for behaviour that undermines the integrity of our work,” she added.

Public and Online Reactions

The altercation has sparked mixed reactions across the country. On social media, some Kenyans have called for swift disciplinary action against both MPs, while others have expressed concerns about the rising tensions within Parliament and the broader political environment.

"Parliament is supposed to be a place of leadership and decorum," one online comment read. "This is unacceptable behavior that undermines the trust the public places in their leaders."

Meanwhile, others have pointed out that the incident is indicative of a deeper issue within the political culture, where high tensions and personal rivalries are becoming more apparent.

Investigation and Parliamentary Response

As the investigation into the altercation continues, the leadership of the National Assembly has yet to issue an official statement. However, the incident is expected to prompt discussions about conflict resolution, behavior management, and the standards of conduct that are expected from public servants, particularly those serving in Parliament.

The altercation has placed a spotlight on the issue of conflict management within Kenya’s political institutions and has raised questions about how political differences are handled in a professional environment.

As Parliament continues to function amid the fallout, many are waiting to see what steps will be taken to address the incident and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The story has captured the attention of both the public and political leaders, sparking a crucial conversation about the standards of conduct in public office.

April 09, 2025