A video has surfaced showing ODM MP Umi Harun and EALA legislator Falhada Iman in a physical altercation outside the Kenyan Parliament.
An MP who recorded his two colleagues fighting in Parliament on Tuesday last week could face sanctions for exposing the embarrassing spectacle to the public as an investigation into the incident is underway.
The Nation has learnt that investigators drawn from parliament police and the sergeant at arms department have already identified the lawmaker as an investigation into the saga nears completion.
Investigators are expected to hand over a report to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula this week, who will then provide a way forward to the House.
A source in parliament aware of the progress in the investigation told the Nation that the matter has angered the leadership and could land the lawmaker in trouble.
Sent to blogger
According to the source, the lawmaker is said to have released the video to a close relative who is a blogger.
The source said speaker's rules prohibit recording while in the precincts of parliament.
“The MP who recorded the video is in more trouble than even those who fought because he exposed the lowest moment of the House to the whole world in an undignified manner and also undignified the two women,” the source said.
“In addition, while the two who fought have shown remorse to the House and the public, the one who recorded is yet to show remorse anywhere,” added the source.
The source said without the video, the situation would have been contained, and parliament would not have suffered embarrassment.
Punishment options
Among the options the speaker is toying with is to allow a substantive motion for the member to be named in the House so that his conduct can be discussed in the floor of the House and members decide on the punishment to be meted on him.
Other members have also told the speaker to just proceed and institute harsh punishment to the member for embarrassing them.
In his communication to the House on Wednesday, Speaker Wetang’ula said the recording was being investigated by the parliamentary police and sergeant-at-arms.
“If you were caught in that video, depending on what you were doing, you will also be punished. There is a crime called aiding and abetting,” Mr Wetang’ula said.
Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) in charge of security, said he saw the person who recorded the entire scuffle.
“It will be my rightful duty to record a statement with the parliamentary police.” Mr Makau said.
While offering her apology to the House, nominated MP Umulkher Harun claimed that it is Tigania East MP Mpuri Aburi who recorded the incident.
“Mr Speaker, I’m short-sighted and during this unfortunate incident I noticed Hon. Mpuri was recording and I approached him and told him not to record,” Ms Harun said.
It’s still not yet clear if the speaker will refer the matter to the Committee of Powers and Privileges which is responsible for handling matters concerning powers, privilege and immunities of the House members and staff.
In conducting its functions, the committee chaired by the speaker can either of its own motion or as a result of a complaint made by any person, inquire into the conduct of a member alleged to constitute breach of privilege.
According to Section 16(e) of the Powers and Privileges Act provides that the Committee may find a Member to be in breach of privilege if the Member conducts himself or herself in a manner which, in the opinion of the Committee is intended, or is likely to reflect adversely on the dignity or integrity of Parliament, or of the Members or to be contrary to the best interest of Parliament or its Members, then relevant sanctions apply.
Some of the sanctions include withholding for a specific period of time, of the member’s right to the use or enjoyment of any specified facility provided to MPs, removal or suspension for a specified period of time and a fine in terms of the member’s monthly salary and allowances as the House may determine.
The speaker has already suspended East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Iman Falhada from setting foot in the precincts of parliament for 90 days.
Ms Falhada is today (Monday) expected to present in writing a statement explaining what happened on Tuesday and will be accompanied by a sergeant at arms since she is serving her suspension.
