They're honourable by name, but sometimes that name gets severely tested.
While political leadership demands restraint, grace under pressure, and dignified conduct, Kenyan leaders have sometimes thrown the rule book out of the window in times of raw emotion and public drama.
In Parliament chambers, at public rallies, or at press conferences, some confrontations have escalated from verbal barbs to outright pandemonium; leaving citizens shocked, entertained, or simply gravely concerned.
Here are five unforgettable instances where Kenyan leaders made headlines after engaging in heated fights:
Umi Harun and Falhada Iman
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A physical altercation between ODM-nominated MP Umulkher Harun and EALA MP Falhada Iman erupted within Parliament on 8 April 2025, receiving extensive media coverage after a video of the fight went viral on social media.
The altercation, witnessed by fellow legislators and requiring the intervention of Parliament security, was said to have been sparked by longstanding animosity between the two.
Umulkher attributed the confrontation to long-standing opposition to her work and stated it was unprovoked, whereas Falhada attributed it to a personal insult. Both MPs have since apologised and filed complaints with the police.
Babu Owino and Charles Njagua
In October 2017, there was a physical confrontation between Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and former Starehe MP Charles Njagua, alias Jaguar, within the precincts of Parliament.
The altercation was reportedly triggered by Owino's statement, which Njagua took as disrespectul against former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
It turned into a fistfight at the Parliament media centre, and parliamentary authorities were forced to intervene and push the two legislators apart.
Following the incident, the Powers and Privileges Committee, then chaired by Speaker Justin Muturi, deliberated on the case and decided that both MPs had conducted themselves in a manner that lowered the dignity of the House.
The committee directed Owino and Njagua to issue public apologies on Parliament's floor. The two MPs later apologised and were allowed back into Parliament.
Simba Arati and Sylvanus Osoro
In February 2021, a public altercation broke out between then Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati and Mugirango South MP Sylvanus Osoro during a funeral service attended by several high-profile leaders, including then Deputy President William Ruto and ODM Party leader Raila Odinga.
Tensions rose after Arati allegedly made remarks perceived as disrespectful towards Ruto, prompting Osoro to storm the podium in protest.
Osoro attempted to seize the microphone from Arati, leading to a physical confrontation between the two legislators. The clash quickly escalated into a full-blown commotion, with security personnel and fellow leaders rushing to separate the two.
The situation grew so tense that police were forced to intervene to restore order among mourners.
Ochilo Ayacko and Shem Ochuodho
In January 2001, a fight occurred between former Rongo MP Ochilo Ayacko, now the Governor of Migori, and former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho within the Parliament precincts.
The fight broke out after Ochuodho accused Ayacko of orchestrating attacks by goons during his constituency visits.
Following the incident, then-Speaker of the National Assembly, Francis ole Kaparo, addressed the matter in the House, stating that Ayacko was found guilty of gross misconduct for engaging in a physical altercation within the parliamentary grounds. Similarly, Ochuodho was also found guilty of provoking the confrontation.
In his ruling, the Speaker instructed both MPs to cease such behaviour and reminded them of the importance of upholding the dignity and decorum expected of parliamentarians.
David Murathe and Stephen Ndicho
In July 1999, a violent altercation erupted in Parliament between David Murathe, the former MP for Gatanga, and Stephen Ndicho, the former MP for Juja.
The altercation occurred during a parliamentary session when Murathe requested a ministerial statement regarding the death of a suspect in police custody, related to the grisly murder of a Juja councillor. Ndicho, however, viewed Murathe’s request with suspicion and questioned his motives.
The situation quickly escalated when Ndicho accused Murathe of being involved in the murder, shouting that Murathe was a suspect in the killing of Councillor wa Njuguna.
This accusation led to a physical confrontation between the two MPs, with other members intervening in an attempt to break up the fight.
Following the incident, both MPs were suspended from Parliament for three days.
