Kenyan MP, Zulekha, kicked out of parliament for carrying baby
Kenyan MP, Zulekha, kicked out of parliament for carrying baby
A female Member of Parliament in Kenya, Zulekha Hassan, has been kicked out of parliament in the capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday for taking her baby into the chamber.
According to the Garissa Town MP, Zulekha was out of order. He also demanded an explanation on how she was allowed into the chambers with a child—who is a strange person.
The Deputy Speaker Christopher Omulele then ordered the Sergeant-at-arms to escort the lawmaker out.
Mr Omulele had a hard time controlling the MPs as some engaged in shouting matches as other pushed and shoved each other.
Women lawmakers walked out of the chambers in solidarity with Ms Hassan. They protested against how the matter was handled.
During the commotion, Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi was ejected for being disorderly.
Zulekha Hassan said she had “had an emergency” and had to take her baby to work.
Parliamentary proceedings, which are aired live by the Kenyan public broadcaster, KBC, were temporarily disrupted when she walked into the chamber carrying her child.
The deputy speaker had the difficult task of controlling MPs as some began shouting and others could be seen shoving each other.
He ordered Kwale county women’s representative out of the chamber, saying her move was “unprecedented”.
Ms Hassan told journalists afterwards that parliament had still not set up a family room despite agreeing to do so in 2013.
Quote Message: I have tried really hard not to come with the baby, but today I had an emergency; what was I supposed to do? If parliament had a nursery or a creche I would be able to put my baby there.
I have tried really hard not to come with the baby, but today I had an emergency; what was I supposed to do? If parliament had a nursery or a creche I would be able to put my baby there.
Quote Message: “Now as we ask for more women to come into parliament, you need to provide a family friendly atmosphere.” from Zulekha Hassan
“Now as we ask for more women to come into parliament, you need to provide a family friendly atmosphere.”
Zulekha Hassan
According to the house rules, “strangers” are not allowed into the chamber, children included.
The drama has started a debate on social media. Some have been praising the MP, pointing to other countries that allow babies in parliament, but other tweeters accuse her of being an attention seeker. (BBC)