This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On Wednesday, a Senate committee session was abruptly ended after two lawmakers clashed over the contentious election of the House Health Committee's vice-chair.
Senators Beatrice Kwamboka and Mary Seneta engaged in a heated exchange, with the two physically assaulting each other over the election of Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina as vice-chair.
The dispute began when nominated Senator Farhiya Ali, who was not a member of the committee, attempted to cast a vote on behalf of nominated Senator Milicent Omanga, citing instructions from Omanga.
However, committee members disputed Ali's claim, terming it fictitious and refusing to allow the vote to proceed.
As the situation escalated, Kwamboka and Seneta exchanged insults and kicks, tearing each other's clothes in the process.
According to House rules, a whip can nominate another member to vote on their behalf with the authorization of the House Speaker.
After the altercation, the committee session was adjourned, and the drama spilled outside the Senate chambers as Kwamboka and Seneta continued to exchange insults.
Speaking to journalists, Kwamboka downplayed the incident, describing it as a 'friendly fight.'
However, Senator Ole Kina attributed his woes to the 'powers that be,' claiming they were against him being elected as chairman or vice-chair of any committee.
