The 2019 Incident of Rashid Kassim and Fatuma Gedi

Name: The 2019 Incident of Rashid Kassim and Fatuma Gedi
Start: 1970-06-13
Location: Unspecified

Overview of the Incident

In 2019, a significant event unfolded in the Kenyan parliament that highlighted deep-seated issues relating to gender equality and workplace harassment in political spaces. The incident involved Rashid Kassim, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wajir East, and Fatuma Gedi, the MP for Wajir Woman, which raised national awareness about the treatment of women in political offices.

The conflict erupted during a parliamentary session when Kassim was reported to have slapped Gedi after a heated exchange. This occurred after a group of female MPs staged a walkout in protest of what they perceived as inappropriate jokes made by their male counterparts, who allegedly referred to the day as "slapping day." The events that followed ignited widespread condemnation from various sectors of society.

The Slap Heard Around Parliament

The phrase “slapping day” was used by the male MPs in a tone that many female MPs found derogatory and insensitive. During the verbal spat, Kassim's reaction—physically confronting Gedi—was not just seen as unacceptable behavior, but also as a glaring example of the marginalization women face in leadership roles. Such behavior from Kassim was met with outrage from his colleagues and the public, signaling a broader conversation about the need for respect and decorum in political discourse.

Impact of the Walkout

Following the incident, female members of parliament collectively walked out to protest against the misogynistic culture that they believed was pervasive within the parliament. This act of solidarity emphasized the necessity for both male and female MPs to advocate for a more professional and respectful working environment. Their walkout was a powerful statement against harassment and an assertion of their rights as elected officials.

Legal and Social Repercussions

The aftermath of Kassim's actions led to his arrest, which was received with mixed emotions. While some viewed it as a step towards holding MPs accountable for misconduct, others criticized it as a delay in addressing systemic issues of gender-based violence in politics. This incident prompted discussions on the implementation of stricter measures against harassment in parliamentary proceedings.

Kassim’s Arrest

After slapping Gedi, Kassim was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement, which raised questions about the legal system’s approach to cases of violence in political settings. Public figures and media outlets called for more serious ramifications for perpetrators of violence against women in governance. This incident was a catalyst for conversations around the protection of women in politics and the responsibility of parliamentarians to uphold the law.

Public Outcry and Reactions

The public outcry following the incident was widespread, showcasing the pervasive issues of sexism in politics. Campaigns emerged on social media with hashtags advocating for women's rights and urging political reform. Many citizens rallied to support Gedi, reinforcing the idea that tolerance for violence toward women should not be accepted in any form, particularly in institutions meant to represent and serve the public.

Fun Fact

Women in Kenyan Politics

Despite the challenges faced, women in Kenya have made significant strides in political representation. The constitution mandates that at least one-third of the members in the National Assembly must be women. This incident underscored the ongoing struggle for women to be respected and treated equally in political spaces.