Tigania East MP Mpuri Aburi reprimanded for recording fight between two female MPs
Wetang’ula revealed that before confirming with Mpuri, witness accounts had identified him as the legislator who captured and disseminated the footage
Tigania East Member of Parliament Lawrence Mpuri Aburi has been reprimanded by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over his role in the recording and circulation of the viral video of the physical altercation between two MPs.
The video was recorded in April during a scuffle between nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun Mohamed and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Falhada Iman within the precincts of Parliament.
Addressing the Assembly yesterday, the Speaker, who confirmed that Aburi confessed to having captured the video for fun, expressed dismay over the senior legislator’s conduct as he described it as a breach of Parliamentary decorum and privilege.
“The House was in a profound shock at 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 before confirming with Mpuri, witness accounts had identified him as the legislator who captured and disseminated the footage.
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.
He added that the Senior MP shared the clip with a female colleague, who in turn circulated the video online
“Witness accounts have identified Tigania East MP Lawrence Mpuri Aburi as the member believed to have made and circulated the video. I spoke with Aburi, and he claimed that he recorded the video for fun, shared it with one female member of this House, who subsequently circulated the video unlawfully. I have no evidence to that effect,” he added.
The Speaker condemned the behavior, citing 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,” Wetang’ula condemned.
The two legislators who engaged in a physical altercation in early April expressed regret for their actions as the EALA MP was barred from accessing the National Assembly until she provides her apology to the House.
Investigations are still ongoing by the Powers and Privileges Committee and a report is expected to be shared with MPs on the disciplinary actions that will be taken against the nominated MP.
