Debate in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon turned ugly with threats of physical violence while MPs were debating a motion surrounding an alleged sex tape regarding a female MP.
The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Committee had tabled a report which accused Wajir Women Rep Fatuma Gedi of leaking a letter to the media where some of her colleagues had been summoned by the DCI for allegedly sharing a fake sex tape and claiming she had featured in the pornographic clip.
The privileges committee recommended action be taken against Gedi, bitterly dividing the House as MPs argued that the report should be tabled until the DCI completed investigations to determine if the summoned MPs had indeed targeted Gedi with a fake sex tape.
Among Gedi’s supporters was Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga who faced off with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa – a proponent of the proposal to punish the Wajir Woman Rep.
At some point, debate got personal with Barasa threatening to beat up Wanga on the floor of the house.
“Mr Speaker, protect me from Gladys Wanga who is making noise. Mr Speaker, I will punch this lady because she is making noise to me,” Barasa said.
The Kimilili MP’s remark caused an uproar as female MPs caused commotion, criticizing Barasa for threatening an MP.
Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris was the most vocal, equally drawing a threat from Barasa.
“Why are you pointing me, for what purpose, you are becoming unruly. I can punch you,” the Kimilili MP stated.
In a break from house norms, Speaker Justin Muturi did not call Barasa to order but instead reprimanded Passaris and Wanga.
The 12th parliament has drawn criticism for the violence meted out on female legislators. Earlier in the year, Gedi was physically assaulted in the precincts of Parliament Buildings by Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim.
