This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On June 13, 2019, a heated exchange between Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi and her Wajir East counterpart Rashid Kassim in Parliament turned violent, leaving Gedi with physical injuries. The incident occurred during a visit by the budget team, and Gedi had explained to Kassim that Sh100 million was allocated to Wajir County.
However, Kassim allegedly responded by calling Gedi 'stupid and a liar' before punching her twice on the jaw and neck. Gedi testified that she saw blood oozing from her mouth after the assault.
According to Gedi, Homa Bay County Woman Rep Gladys Wanga intervened and tried to pull Kassim aside, and the three were later joined by Parliament Sergeant at Arms. Gedi was taken to the Speaker's office before recording a statement at Parliament Police Station.
During her testimony, Gedi expressed her disappointment with the incident, stating that it was not just about her as a woman but also as a wife and mother. She also revealed that she received threat messages from unknown people after the alleged assault and had to change her car.
Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim was charged with assaulting Gedi and denied the charges. He was released on Sh50,000 cash bail.
