United Democratic Alliance (UDA) representative to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Falhada Iman has issued a public apology after a physical altercation with ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun inside Parliament.
The scuffle, which unfolded in full view of fellow lawmakers, sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Kenyans criticizing the conduct of the two leaders.
In a video recorded by a fellow MP and later shared online, Iman and Umulkheir are seen exchanging harsh words as female MPs struggle to separate them. The situation was eventually calmed by Parliament’s sergeant-at-arms.
In her apology, Iman admitted that the incident was “beneath the dignity of the institution” and offered an unreserved apology to her colleagues and the public.
She explained that the clash occurred during a tense session and was triggered by “prolonged and intense provocation.”
“While I initially exercised restraint in the face of repeated inflammatory remarks, the situation regrettably escalated beyond control,” Iman said in her statement.
“In the heat of the moment, my response crossed the line of decorum expected of a public servant. No circumstance justifies such a breach of conduct, and I take full accountability for my actions.”
She further expressed regret to her fellow lawmakers and to Kenyans, noting that the altercation was a failure to uphold the standards expected of elected representatives.
“Disagreements—no matter how impassioned—must be handled with grace, dialogue, and respect. Violence has no place in our democracy,” she added.
Iman confirmed that the matter is being addressed through the proper channels and promised to reflect on the incident and rededicate herself to professionalism and civility.
Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun also released a statement, calling the incident “unfortunate” and revealing that she had filed 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 said.
Harun emphasized that she does not condone any form of misconduct and urged for respectful engagement within political spaces.
“While I am not providing further comments at this time, I remain fully committed to upholding the dignified standards expected of our institution and myself, particularly as a Muslim woman,” she said.
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