A screengrab showing an altercation between MPs Umulkheir Harun and Falhada Iman at Parliament Buildings on April 8, 2025. [Courtesy]

Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohammed, also known as Umi, has apologised over what she termed an ‘unfortunate incident’ after a video went viral showing her in a physical altercation with East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Falhada Iman.

In the video, the two legislators are seen exchanging blows within Parliament grounds as a male colleague cheers them on. 

Three women and a parliamentary orderly intervene in an attempt to break up the fight. "Wacha kutupiga picha (loosely translated to stop recording), a female colleague is heard saying.  

While the cause of the confrontation remains unclear, Umulkheir suggested long-standing differences may have played a role, though she withheld further details.

Nominated MP Umi Harun and Falhada Iman of EALA exchange blows outside parliament pic.twitter.com/6tweGZpj6D

— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 9, 2025

“My colleague from the EALA, who has expressed long-standing differences with my work, acted in a manner that I find unacceptable. She came to Parliament to do nothing but attack me, an incident that blindsided me and left me questioning what faulted the ambush,” said the MP in a statement.

She added: “I sincerely regret this occurrence and want to emphasise that I do not endorse or encourage any form of misconduct. I remain fully committed to upholding the respectful and dignified standards expected of our institution and of myself, particularly as a Muslim woman.”

The incident has sparked uproar online, with netizens criticising the MPs for their conduct within the precincts of Parliament.

“They have no manners. The speaker should suspend them with immediate effect,” said X user Abdi Ali. 

“Are they the ones to legislate on Artificial Intelligence and the entire digital economy, university funding model, and discuss how youths will get opportunities?” posed another X user.

While Falhada has yet to comment on the brawl, Umi said she has reported the matter to the police and is awaiting further action.

Umulkheir, nominated to the 13th Parliament by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and Falhada, elected to EALA on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, both hail from Garissa County. 

It remains unclear whether the confrontation reflects a deeper political rivalry.