Parliamentary Brawl: Female Kenyan MPs Engage in Physical Altercation Caught on Video

A physical altercation between Nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun Mohammed and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman disrupted parliamentary proceedings in Nairobi on Tuesday, drawing widespread condemnation and reigniting concerns over the conduct of elected officials.

The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, shows the two lawmakers engaged in a physical confrontation within the Parliament grounds. The video depicts at least four attempts, including from a parliamentary orderly, to de-escalate the situation, which was further inflamed by verbal insults and the encouragement of a male colleague.
While the precise motive for the altercation remains unclear, Umulkheir attributes the incident to "long-standing differences" with Falhada. 

In a statement, Umulkheir apologizes to the public, emphasizing her commitment to upholding the dignity of Parliament. She says that Falhada came to Parliament with the intention of attacking her and that she has since reported the incident to authorities, awaiting further action. Falhada has yet to comment on the matter. Both legislators are from Garissa County, but are of opposing political affiliations. 

Umulkheir was nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), while Falhada serves under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This political rivalry may have played a role in the conflict. The public response has been largely critical, with many Kenyans decrying the lawmakers' conduct as dishonorable on social media. 

Also on Tuesday, the Machakos County Assembly descended into turmoil on following a renewed effort to impeach Speaker Ann Kiusya, resulting in violent clashes that left three Members of County Assembly (MCAs) injured and exposed significant divisions within the body. Majority Whip Lucky Nzau was seriously injured and required hospitalization, while Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka and Deputy Speaker Stephen Mwanthi sustained minor injuries during the altercation, which occurred in Kiusya's boardroom between those supporting and opposing her removal. 

Security personnel intervened, relocating Kiusya to a secure office as tensions escalated. The impeachment motion is being led by Deputy Speaker Mwanthi, who accuses Kiusya of financial mismanagement and a failure to provide accountability for assembly expenditures over the past two and a half years, alleging violations of legal and constitutional mandates.