MP Arrested After Slapping Incident

Kenya’s Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim has been arrested after he allegedly slapped female lawmaker Fatuma Gedi, causing her to bleed.

The incident took place in the car park outside Parliament in Nairobi, with Kassim allegedly slapping Gedi after he accused her on not allocating funds to his constituency.

Following the incident several female MPs walked out of the chamber in protest.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi has called on the police to investigate the incident quickly stating, "The matter has been reported at Parliament police station. I have given strict instructions that criminals cannot be harboured in Parliament. A crime is a crime. I have directed that the police may go to whatever extent to investigate and if necessary, arrest, and charge before court whoever is found to be culpable.”

"This is not a matter of privilege. Parliament cannot be a sanctuary for criminals. Even if you disagree, it cannot be a reason or excuse to engage in criminal activities. These are my directions to the police they must deal with the matter firmly, because nobody is above the law," he added.