“Parliamentary Brawl”: How religious leaders, legislators reacted to the drama involving two Garissa female MPs

NAIROBI—Two lawmakers from Garissa County, who were filmed while engaged in an altercation at the Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, have came under intense criticism for their actions.

The confrontation involved Umulkheir Harun Mohammed, a nominated Member from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and Falhada Iman, a representative in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

How did Umulkheir respond?

Following the incident, Harun issued a statement expressing “her deep regret over the altercation.”

She described the event as “unfortunate” and accused Iman of deliberately instigating the conflict during her visit to Parliament.

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

She claimed that Iman’s actions were motivated by a longstanding opposition to her work, leading to an unexpected confrontation that left her “feeling ambushed.”

How did Falhada respond?

Falhada Iman, who served as a nominated senator between 2017-2022, stated that “what transpired was undeniably beneath the dignity of the institution we serve.” She added that, “For this, I offer my unreserved apologies.”

“The altercation, which unfolded during a charged session, stemmed from prolonged and intense provocation. While I initially exercised restraint in the face of repeated inflammatory remarks, the situation regrettably escalated beyond control,” Falhada said in a statement on Wednesday.

She continued: “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.”

How did the House Speaker reacted?

National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula has strongly condemned what he described as “abhorrent and dishonourable conduct by Members of Parliament.”

In his communication to the House on Wednesday, Speaker Wetang’ula expressed deep disappointment over the incident, warning that such behaviour undermines the dignity of the institution and erodes public confidence in Parliament.

“Honourable Members, if you are unable to argue or reason with each other, leave the scene and wait for another day,” said the Speaker. “There is no justification whatsoever for physical confrontation among legislators, whether inside or outside the House.”

How the religious leaders reacted 

Nairobi’s Jamia Mosque imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman condemned the incident, saying it portrayed the Muslim women negatively.

“People often form their understanding of this beautiful deen (religion) through you—your character, patience, honesty, kindness and how you carry yourself in general,” the Sheikh stated in an X post on Wednesday. 

He continued: “And as a Muslim public figure, whether you are a scholar, activist, celebrity, politician, or influencer, your words and actions carry weight.

“The Ummah looks up to you, the youth take you as a role model, and the enemies of Islam wait for you to slip.

“One mistake from you can damage the reputation of Islam, lead thousands astray and also give ammunition to those who hate this Deen as the #Enemies of Islam are watching, and they celebrate every time you stumble.

You chose the spotlight—now you carry a heavier responsibility.”

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), also condemned the incident, calling for investigation.