EALA MP Falhada Iman suspended for 90 days after altercation in Parliament
Wetang'ula says investigations are also on to establish the MP who recorded the incident, adding that they’ll both be ‘punished’ after a review of the explanation by the EALA MP and her apology.
East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman has been suspended from accessing the precincts of Parliament for three months following her violent altercation with nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohamed.
A communication from the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, indicated that the EALA MP will not be allowed in Parliament until she writes an explanation through the Speaker and the Parliamentary Service Commission chairperson by next week.
The speaker accused the MP of conducting herself in an undignified manner, which tainted the image of the National Assembly, together with its integrity.
Wetang’ula stated that the matter is not being forwarded to the Powers and Privileges Committee because Falhada is not a sitting MP.
He added that she would be given time to give an explanation and apologise to the House for her conduct.
The speaker added that Falhada does not have a platform to address the house on the floor, hence will be required to write an explanation through the Speaker and apologise.
According to Wetang’ula, Members of EALA who have unhindered access to Parliament and access to certain facilities reserved for sitting members are required to conduct themselves in decorum.
“Having reviewed the video and incident report by the clerk and sergeant-at-arms, the altercation between the two MPs in the parliament is casting a bad light and is likely to reflect on the dignity or integrity of the house. It is regrettable that, having been accorded the privileges, Falhada conducted herself in an undignified manner. I hereby direct that the member explain herself through the speaker and chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission in writing by 5 pm next Monday. In the meantime, she is precluded from accessing the precincts of the Parliament, Parliament buildings, and facilities for 90 days, save for the day and time when she will deliver her written explanation,” the Speaker directed.
On her part, Umulkheir apologised to the House for the incident, even as the speaker directed her to submit her apology in writing as they wait for the submission by her EALA counterpart before directions are given.
The Speaker noted that the MP was still not off the hook until the investigations are over, and directions given.
“I apologise for the unfortunate incident that happened in the precinct of the assembly yesterday. I feel bad for what happened and state that i hold the dignoty of the assembly in high esteem. i apologize and regret. I also apologize to Falhada for her attack to me and my family,” she stated.
“On the issue of who recorded, I do not want to presume on who recorded or share. It is being investigated by the parliamentary police and the sergeant at arms. It will be shared once the report is out. Umulkheir, you are still not off the hook,” the Speaker stated.
The Speaker stated that investigations are also on to establish the MP who recorded the incident, adding that they will both be punished after a review of the explanation by the EALA MP and her apology.
In the unfortunate incident, Falhada is accused of attacking the young, nominated MP who is alleged to have wanted to amicably solve their differences.
