The incident briefly halted the House’s business and sparked intense reactions both inside Parliament and on social media.
The confrontation began when Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah rose on a point of order, claiming that Mawathe was disrupting the session and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The confrontation began when Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah rose on a point of order, claiming that Mawathe was disrupting the session and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Ichung’wah noted that parliamentary rules demand sobriety and decorum from all members while in the chambers.
He argued that the MP’s conduct was unacceptable, adding that, “It is Thursday afternoon, but that does not give anyone the right to enter this House while drunk.”
He argued that the MP’s conduct was unacceptable, adding that, “It is Thursday afternoon, but that does not give anyone the right to enter this House while drunk.”
He then urged the Speaker’s office to take action and restore order.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, who was presiding over the sitting, asked Mawathe to leave the chamber immediately.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, who was presiding over the sitting, asked Mawathe to leave the chamber immediately.
When he refused, she directed the Sergeants-at-Arms to escort him out. A video circulating online shows the MP insisting he was being unfairly targeted as he shouted over other legislators who were calling for calm.
The situation escalated when Mawathe responded angrily to officers approaching him, at one point using harsh language and appearing to threaten another MP.
The situation escalated when Mawathe responded angrily to officers approaching him, at one point using harsh language and appearing to threaten another MP.
Several lawmakers shouted him down as the officers led him out of the chamber. Shollei reminded the MP that once expelled, he had no right to make further contributions.
A female MP was heard telling him, “God is watching you, and Kenyans are also watching.”
Online Reactions
Kenyans quickly took to social media to share their views. Many expressed disappointment in the behaviour displayed in the House, while others questioned whether it had been confirmed that the MP was actually intoxicated since no test was shown to the public.
Some criticised Parliament for unnecessary drama, saying elected leaders should serve as role models. Others jokingly commented on the incident, suggesting the MP should “take his drinking outside.”
Mawathe’s Recent Public Spotlight
The Embakasi South MP has recently attracted public attention for a very different reason. Earlier this month, he surprised many Kenyans by speaking fluent Dholuo during a visit to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm.
A female MP was heard telling him, “God is watching you, and Kenyans are also watching.”
Online Reactions
Kenyans quickly took to social media to share their views. Many expressed disappointment in the behaviour displayed in the House, while others questioned whether it had been confirmed that the MP was actually intoxicated since no test was shown to the public.
Some criticised Parliament for unnecessary drama, saying elected leaders should serve as role models. Others jokingly commented on the incident, suggesting the MP should “take his drinking outside.”
Mawathe’s Recent Public Spotlight
The Embakasi South MP has recently attracted public attention for a very different reason. Earlier this month, he surprised many Kenyans by speaking fluent Dholuo during a visit to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm.
Mawathe accompanied fellow Ukambani leaders as they presented 100 cows as a gesture of unity between the Kamba and Luo communities.
