The fight between Nominated MP Umi Harun and her East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) counterpart Falhada Iman has once again put a spotlight on the conduct of legislators.
While reacting to the video of their fight, Speaker Moses Wetang'ula reminded MPs that they're called honourable for a reason—and that such incidents make Parliament look bad.
“You are called honourable because you are people of honour, and this honour is not yours, it’s for the people who sent you here,” Mr Wetang’ula said.
However, this is not the first time that MPs have displayed their less honourable sides. Over the years, several legislators have resorted to exchanging blows when they failed to see eye to eye.
In most of these cases, the powers and privileges committees make the MPs apologise publicly in the House, while in others they suspend the offenders for a few sittings before they are allowed to return.
Here's a rundown of some of the incidents.
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1. Justus Ole Tipis vs Robert Matano
Former Narok North MP Justus Ole Tipis (left) and former Kinangop MP Robert Matano.
In 1980, then Narok North MP Justus Ole Tipis violently attacked Kinangop MP Robert Matano with a rungu. According to the the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board’s biographical series, Ole Tipis, a close ally of then President Daniel Moi, tended to use his proximity to power to intimidate anyone who dared him.
When he couldn’t sustain an argument with someone, he would just hit them with his rungu.
"Matano’s son had befriended Tipis’ daughter, something the minister did not want to entertain,” the book narrates.
2. James Njiru vs Nahashon Njuno
Former legislators James Njiru (left) and Nahashon Njuno.
Also in 1980, then Kirinyaga MP James Njiru had a violent altercation with Assistant Minister for Transport and Communications Nahashon Njuno in the private members' rooms. The duo were known for their almost rabid hatred for each other.
In this particular incident, Njiru had earlier fired his gun at Njuno at a bar in Kutus Town, Kirinyaga. The shot missed its target and Njuno ran for dear life.
Later, Njuno ambushed his perceived enemy right inside Parliament and gave him a hiding that saw Njiru spend some time in hospital.
The death of a Kanu stalwart and tin god James Njiru
3. Otieno K'Opiyo vs Joseph Misoi
Otieno K'Opiyo shows journalists the injuries he sustained in a confrontation.
In 1997, Otieno K'Opiyo (MP Kasipul Kabondo) punched a minister's aide - Joseph Misoi - in Parliament in the presence of then Kimilili MP Mukhisa Kituyi. According to a report by Pan African News Agency (PANA), Misoi had tried to calm him down during a confrontation with Kituyi.
4. David Murathe vs Stephen Ndicho
Stephen Ndicho (left) and David Murathe.
On July 28, 1999, David Murathe (MP Gatanga) and Stephen Ndicho (MP Juja) exchanged blows in Parliament.
According to Hansard records, all hell broke loose when Ndicho made a pointed accusation at Murathe.
5. David Mwenje vs Otieno Kajwang'
David Mwenje (right) and Otieno Kajwang.
In January 2000, Embakasi MP David Mwenje had a violent altercation with then Mbita MP Otieno Kajwang'.
The two reportedly bit each other after a disagreement. Kajwang’ was reportedly bitten in the chest while Mwenje was bitten in the back.
According to Mwenje, Kajwang' attacked him from behind as he was talking to Gwasi MP Felix Kanyauchi.
The brawl was immortalised by comedians Redykyulass in a live skit titled "Match of the decade".
6. David Mwenje and Reuben Ndolo vs police
Mr Reuben Ndolo during his time as MP.
In an incident that was more drama than a fight, in September 2005, Embakasi MP David Mwenje and his Makadara colleague Reuben Ndolo holed themselves inside Parliament where they took advantage of its privileged status to avoid arrest. The MPs had been accused of incitement and causing violence at City Cabanas.
A contingent of about 50 police officers had taken position outside Parliament waiting to pounce on the MPs following claims that they had invaded and disrupted a meeting called by two Assistant ministers the day before.
They managed to sneak past the detectives and were whisked to court by sympathetic politicians. Police gave chase in several cars but were outrun by the MPs.
But despite outmaneuvering the police, they were later dramatically arrested, ending their 26-hour self-imposed captivity.
7. Ochilo Ayacko vs Shem Ochuodho
Dr Ochilo Ayacko (left) and Shem Ochuodho.
In January 2001, Rongo MP Ochilo Ayacko, now Migori Governor, had a violent altercation with Shem Ochuodho (MP Rangwe) in Parliament. According to Parliament records, the scuffle happened in the corridor leading to chambers where, according to Ochuodho, Ayacko struck him in the head with an object. Ochuodho said he lost consciousness and was taken to a clinic near Parliament.
On his part, Ayacko said Ochuodho had pulled at his jacket which infuriated him so much that he hit him with his open palm.
8. Babu Owino vs Jaguar
Starehe MP Charles Njagua (left) and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (right) are separated after they fought at Parliament Buildings on October 10, 2017. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In 2018, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Starehe MP Charles Kanyi aka Jaguar fought at Parliament's media centre.
The duo were later ordered to apologise before the whole House after it was found that they had behaved in a manner that reflected adversely on the dignity and integrity of the National Assembly and its members.
