Chaos in Parliament as female MPs protest assault of Wajir Woman-Rep Gedi

Chaos erupted in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon as female legislators protested the assault of Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi.

Speaker Justin Muturi was forced to direct the sergeant-at-arms to eject the protesting legislators who began chanting as the House convened ahead of the 2019/2020 budget reading.

“Sergeant-at-arms can you make sure the members at the door are thrown out,” directed the speaker as the MPs persisted with the shouting.

“Get out… walk out!” shouted Speaker Muturi, as the sergeant-at-arms opened the door for the MPs to leave.

The legislators walked out to address the media outside the National Assembly where they condemned the assault of their colleague.

The Wajir Woman Representative claims she was punched on the mouth by Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim after a disagreement over budgetary allocation.

“I was just walking with my colleague Ms Wanga when he accosted me and started calling me stupid and within minutes he punched me on the cheek,” Ms Gedi said.

Addressing the issue before the House, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed that police investigate the matter and take legal action.

“That matter has been reported to me and Parliament police station and I have given instructions that criminals   cannot be harboured in Parliament,” said the Speaker.

He emphasised that a crime cannot be protected under the privileges of Parliament.

“Even if you disagree with a fellow member, it should remain like that, a disagreement, it cannot be an excuse to engage in criminal activities,” said Speaker Muturi.

He urged the MPs to allow investigating agencies probe the alleged assault, barring further debate on the matter.