It was a dramatic scene on Wednesday, as a Kenyan lawmaker was kicked out of the Parliament for binging her baby to the legislative chambers.
Kwale woman Representative, Zulekha Hassan was given the order to vacate the National Assembly for disrupting a parliamentary session by bringing in a 'stranger'.
The National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Chris Omulele described her move as unprecedented, and a blatant disregard for house rules.
Many commentators are of the opinion that she could have used a rest room. New Zealand PM has on many occasions taken her baby to parliament, and such has become a part of the house rules.
Speaking after she was evicted, Zulekha said: “I have tried really hard not to come with the baby, but today, I had an emergency, what was I supposed to do? Miss parliament? That’s why I just came with her. I knew I would be staying here just for a while and later when my situation is better, I would go. But if there was a room or a creche or nursery, I would then be able to put my baby there.”
According to the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, strangers are not allowed into the House, including family members. A toddler is thus, regarded as a stranger.
Header Image Credit: reuben