A dramatic altercation broke out at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday when two female lawmakers—ODM-nominated MP Umulkheir Harun and EALA MP Falhada Iman—were caught on camera engaging in a physical confrontation.
Footage circulating online shows the two MPs exchanging harsh words and appearing to physically tussle, while other female legislators made frantic attempts to separate them. At one point, one MP is heard urgently calling for help from nearby colleagues, while another pleads with bystanders to stop filming the scene.
Parliament’s Sergeant-at-Arms eventually intervened, managing to break up the scuffle. However, the heated exchange continued with both MPs trading verbal insults even after being separated.
In a statement issued after the incident, Umulkheir expressed regret, calling the confrontation “unfortunate” and confirming she had lodged a formal complaint with the relevant authorities.
“Today, an unfortunate incident occurred on the parliamentary grounds—a situation I deeply regret both as a Member of Parliament and as a mother,” she stated.
While refraining from further commentary, Umulkheir distanced herself from any form of misconduct, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the dignity of Parliament and the values she upholds as a Muslim woman.
“The political landscape is inherently challenging, but there is never justification for behaviour that undermines the integrity of our work,” she added, calling for a more respectful and constructive political environment going forward.
