National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has reprimanded Tigania East MP Lawrence Mpuri Aburi over his alleged role in recording and circulating a video showing a physical altercation between Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohamed and EALA MP Falhada Iman.
Addressing the House on Wednesday, June 4, Wetang’ula expressed dismay over Mpuri's conduct, describing it as a breach of parliamentary decorum and privilege.
"The House was in a profound shock to the claim that a sitting member of this House recorded and circulated a video of the incident.
"To this end I indicated that should the claim be ascertained, that abhorrent act would attract the sanctions under the Standing Orders and Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act," he said.
Wetang’ula revealed that witness accounts had identified Aburi as the legislator who captured and disseminated the footage.
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According to the Speaker, the MP admitted to recording the clip, stating that he had done it for fun and shared it with another legislator.
"Witness accounts have identified Tigania East MP Lawrence Mpuri Aburi as the member believed to have made and circulated the video.
"I personally spoke with Aburi and he claimed that he recorded the video for fun, shared with one female member of this House who subsequently circulated the video unlawfully. I have no evidence to that effect," he added.
However, Wetang’ula condemned the behavior, citing the Aburi's seniority and the expectations of conduct that come with his position.
"I take exception to the member's irresponsible conduct given he is a senior member of this House and therefore bears a higher level of responsibility befitting a ranking member in upholding the dignity of the House," he concluded.
Umulkheir and Iman engaged in a physical altercation at the Parliament grounds on Tuesday, April 8.
In a statement later that day, Umulkheir expressed regret over the incident, shifting the blame to Iman whom she accused of initiating the fight.
"Today an unfortunate incident occurred on the parliamentary grounds; a situation I deeply regret both as a Member of Parliament and as a mother. My colleague from the EALA, who has expressed longstanding differences with my work, acted in a manner that I find unacceptable.
"She came to Parliament to do nothing but attack me; an incident that blindsided me and left me question what faulted the ambush," she said.
The following day, on Wednesday, April 9, Iman took full responsibility for her actions, attributing her reaction to sustained provocation.
"To the Kenyan parliament fraternity and the public. I feel compelled to address the regrettable incident that occurred within the corridor of Parliament, involving myself and Nominated MP Hon. Ummul Kheir. What transpired was undeniably beneath the dignity of the institution we serve, and the trust bestowed upon us by the Kenyan people. 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. 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," she stated.
Iman extended her apology to fellow legislators and the public, acknowledging the disappointment caused by her behavior.
"To my colleagues in Parliament, I deeply regret that this incident has cast a shadow over our collective duty to uphold integrity and mutual respect in service to the nation. To the public who witnessed this unsettling spectacle via social media, I apologize for failing to exemplify the composure and maturity you rightfully expect from your representatives," she added.
