Umulkheir Harun Speaks Out After Fight in Parliament

Two Female MPs Who Fought Outside Parliament Issue Apologies

A video that captured two lawmakers fighting at Parliament Buildings has sparked widespread uproar. The two leaders in the clip, nominated Member of Umulkheir Harun Mohammed and Falhada Iman, who serves as a representative in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) have issued statements after the incident.

Harun, who is nominated under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, apologized for the incident, terming it as unfortunate.

She accused Iman of opposing her work and accessing the Parliament building just to start a fight.

Harun claims that she was moved by the incident, hence the escalation and physical confrontation.

“Today an unfortunate incident occurred on the parliamentary grounds situation I deeply regret both as a Member of Parliament and as a mother,” Harun.

“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 asked for forgiveness for the incident, adding that she sincerely regrets this occurrence and does not endorse or encourage any form of misconduct.

Harun emphasized that she is ready to maintain the standards and conduct required in Parliament.

“While I am not providing further comments at this time, I remain fully committed to upholding the respectful and dignified standards expected of our institution and of myself, particularly as a Muslim woman,” she said.

Umulkheir Harun Plea to Elected Leaders

Harun explained that such behaviors should come from elected members even with the challenges on Kenya’s politics.

She urged leaders to create a conducive environment that can allow them to carry out their responsibilities in the future.

Additionally, Harun said she was recording complaints about the incident with the necessary institutions.

“The political landscape is inherently challenging, but there is never justification for behavior that undermines the integrity of our work. I hope that together we can foster a more respectful and constructive environment moving forward,” she said.

Falhada Issues Apology

On the other hand, Falhada said the incident was undeniably beneath the dignity of Parliament and the trust bestowed upon them by the Kenyan people.

She apologized stating that the altercation unfolded during a charged session and stemmed from prolonged and intense provocation.

Falhada accused Harun of making inflammatory remarks about her but insisted that that was not enough reason to fight her.

“While I initially exercised restraint in the face of repeated inflammatory remarks, the situation regrettably escalated beyond control. 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,” Falhada said.

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She also issued apologies to her colleagues in Parliament regretting that the incident has cast a shadow over their collective duty to uphold integrity and mutual respect in service to the nation.

“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.

Falhada stated that violence, in any form, has no place in our democracy and disagreements, no matter how impassioned, must be navigated with grace, dialogue, and adherence to protocol.

Further, she said the matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels and remains committed to engaging constructively in its resolution.

“This moment serves as a profound reminder of the responsibility we bear as leaders. I vow to reflect deeply, learn from this lapse, and rededicate myself to the principles of civility and professionalism,” she said.

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Leaders Call for Action

The incident has attracted huge criticism from leaders and Kenyans on social media.

Former LSK President Nelson Havi said, “Parliament as it is today. Could I have been wrong in the pursuit of two-thirds gender parity and dissolution of Parliament?”

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai questioned asked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to summon and punish the MPs.

“What nonsense is this? And the EACC will never summon and hold these MPs to account,” he said.