‘You’re stupid!’ Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi narrates assault in the hands of MP Rashid Kassim

Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi on Tuesday took to the stand to testify in a case where she was assaulted by Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim in June within Parliament precincts.

Gedi, who was left with a bloody mouth after the incident, narrated how a friendly conversation went south in no time.

According to Gedi, – who sits in the Budget Committee – the reportedly unprovoked attack by Kassim began after he started accusing her of failing to allocate money for his constituency.

“Mheshimiwa I thought you are my friend how can you forget to give my constituency money…,” narrated Gedi.

Wajir Woman Rep told court that it was at that point that she tried to explain to Kassim that the only money availed to the county was Ksh.100 million.

“I told him it’s not about me but about the views of the people… I told him the monies was to be given to the people’s priorities which were roads and water….I told him people wanted a market,” said Gedi

A brief argument ensued resulting in Kassim punching Gedi.

“You are a liar, you are stupid! And he punched me twice, on my left jaw and neck” submitted Gedi.

The court further heard how Homa Bay County Women Rep who was close by intervened and tried to pull Kassim aside. The Sergeant at arms from Parliament also joined in.

Gedi was then taken to the Speaker’s office before recording a statement at Parliament police station.

“ I am a mother and where I come from its not easy to be in leadership… for me that incident was disappointing not as a woman  but as a wife and as a mother… I pray that I get justice and as women we should not go through this pain as a woman and as a leader,” pleaded Gedi.

“I was treated at Karen Hospital in town and discharged on the same day…,” said Gedi.

Kassim is out of a Ksh.50,000 cash bail after denying charges the charges on June 15, 2019.