After the “NASA Tibim” and Tano Tena” songs hit last year, fans were out there arguing on which one hit more, and which one had “more views on you tube.” So there are these two parliamentarians of whom one was for the “NASA Tibim” and the other one for “Tano Tena” but what really happened? On October 10, 2017, ODM’s Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino of Embakasi East and Jubilee’s Charles Njagua alias Jaguar of Starehe ended up exchanging blows over a disagreement
Following the incident, the Parliamentary Privileges Committee has recommended that the flamboyant lawmakers apologise for fighting in the precincts of Parliament.
In its report, after independent investigations, the committee chaired by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi concluded the two were culpable for disorderly conduct after a vicious spat that degenerated into a physical fight.
“Pursuant to section 17 ( 3 )(b) of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, the committee reprimands Hon Paul Ongili and Hon Charles Njagua for conducting themselves in a manner that reflected adversely on the dignity and integrity of the National Assembly and its members,” part of the Committee recommendations reads.
Ongili is a former University of Nairobi students leader.
The committee launched investigations into the duo’s conduct following a formal petition by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in a letter dated October 12, 2017.
The ethics and anti-graft agency asked Parliament to also take necessary disciplinary action for the unethical conduct and breach of privileges.But in the report tabled on Tuesday, the panel did not, however, propose any disciplinary action against the city MPs, raising fears that such incidents may not be inevitable in Parliament.
The committee held five sittings and reviewed video clips submitted to it as well as oral submissions from witnesses.
Njagua and Babu fought at Parliament’s media centre when the later was due to address a press conference.
The Starehe MP was reportedly trailing Babu.
It took the intervention of the security officers, who were on duty at the main Parliament building, to restrain the MPs, who then filed a report with the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Appearing before the committee, Babu pleaded for leniency, blaming the then delicate political environment after the controversial August 8 presidential polls.
Do you think the duo who reconciled before have to apologise?