The National Assembly’s Committee of Power and Privileges today reprimanded the two first-time parliamentarians for conducting themselves in a manner that reflected adversely on the dignity and integrity of the House.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and his Starehe counterpart Charles ‘Jaguar’ Kanyi have been ordered to apologise over a fight at Parliament grounds in October 2017.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili aka Babu Owino and Starehe Member of Parliament Charles Njagua aka Jaguar on October 10 engaged in a fist fight at the parliament buildings.
Jaguar, who is a close ally to President Uhuru was angered by Babu Owino’s words after the Embakasi East MP was heard shouting that President Uhuru’s government is a caretaker one.
“We have no president in Kenya, Uhuru is a caretaker,” said the Embakasi MP.
“Jaguar, huwezi leta ushenzi. Hii Kenya ni ya watu wote,” Owino said.
On the other hand, Jaguar was heard saying: “Babu, you must respect the president, if you don’t, we shall get hold of you.”
Jaguar, thereafter, proceeded to the National Assembly to participate in electoral laws debate, whereas Owino drove off.
It took two Members of Parliament who were present to separate the angry politicians.
After the dramatic incident, a shouting match ensued with Owino insisting that he would not recognise President Kenyatta’s legitimacy.
The physical confrontation between the two first time Parliamentarians triggered myriad reactions with Kenyans condemning the two for portraying intolerance, terming the incident shameful.
Starehe Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Njagua Kanyi, alias Jaguar, apologised to his constituents and Kenyans for engaging in a physical fight with his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino.
“What happened (in Parliament) was very unfortunate. I forgive Babu Owino. I also ask him to forgive me. However, I insist that Babu Owino must respect the president. Should he fail to respect the Head of State again,I will deal with him,” said Jaguar, when a addressing a press conference at the media centre in Parliament on Wednesday, October 11.
The two legislators have since, following the handshake between President Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga, made up and are often seen together in public sharing laughs.
Do you think the two will apologise?