On 21 November 2018, Nyakundi Report looked back at a series of parliamentary confrontations in South Africa, Uganda and Kenya where political disputes spilled into open fighting inside the chamber.
The incidents, captured on video, involved lawmakers clashing during high-stakes debates over leadership, constitutional limits and security legislation. In each case, the scenes raised questions about discipline in elected assemblies and the conduct expected of public officials.
South Africa: lawmakers disrupted Jacob Zuma’s address ¶
In South Africa, radical MPs caused chaos during a parliamentary sitting when former President Jacob Zuma was due to deliver the State of the Nation address. They stood up and demanded that he resign, and the confrontation escalated into punches being thrown.
Uganda: age-limit dispute triggered violence ¶
Uganda’s parliament also descended into disorder when lawmakers debated a change to the presidential age limit. The constitution had set the upper age at 75 years and above, but the sitting president had already passed that threshold, and the argument ended in a fight.
Kenya: 2014 anti-terror law vote turned chaotic ¶
Kenya’s parliament saw fistfights and scuffles in 2014 as members approved sweeping anti-terrorism laws. Rights activists warned that the measures posed a draconian threat to civil liberties and freedom of speech.
During the chaos, the Speaker was pelted with books and other objects by some members of parliament.
The episodes remain a reminder that even formal legislative chambers can become flashpoints when political tensions rise too far.
