This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 7, 2019, a dramatic scene unfolded in the National Assembly when Kwale County Woman Representative Zulekha Hassan walked into the debating chamber with a baby.
The baby, estimated to be less than 5 months old, was carried by Hassan as she entered the chamber, causing a temporary disruption in business.
House Majority Leader Aden Duale had to pause a motion he was moving on the Kenya-Somalia maritime dispute, while Temporary House Deputy Speaker Christopher Omulele struggled to maintain order among the MPs.
Some MPs were seen engaging in shouting matches, while others were shoving each other, as Omulele attempted to restore calm.
Omulele later ordered Hassan to leave the chamber, advising MPs to use the facilities provided by the Parliamentary Service Commission for lactating mothers.
MP Sam Atandi was ejected from the proceedings for being disorderly, while Duale demanded an explanation for how Hassan was allowed into the chamber with the baby.
Women MPs who walked out of the chamber in solidarity with Hassan condemned the Speaker and their male colleagues for their handling of the situation.
