Sialai: Lactating legislators must abide by rules
Lactating MPs will not be allowed to do so in the chamber, National Assembly Clerk Michael Sialai has said.
He said the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has provided facilities for lactating legislators and staff, and a baby day care within Parliament precincts.
“We always uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. We have provided facilities for all lactating MPs and staff, therefore, accusing us of discriminating them is uncalled for,” Sialai said in a statement.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had last week demanded that the government provides policy directives to ensure compliance with the breastfeeding law and protection of lactating mothers at workplace.
Issue apology
In a statement, LSK President Allen Gichuhi condemned last week’s incident in the National Assembly, in which Kwale Woman Representative Zulekha Hassan was kicked out of Parliament for entering the chamber with her five-month-old baby.
“The LSK strongly condemns the archaic act and terms it as grossly unfair and discriminatory to not only the Member of Parliament but also to the infant.
To imagine that Zulekha and her infant were manhandled in the process is appalling and speaks volumes on the state of maternal and child health rights in Kenya vis a vis employment,” Gichuhi said.
But according to Sialai, House Standing Orders obligate the Speaker to order a member, who conducts himself or herself in a disorderly manner to leave the chamber.
“At no time was the MP manhandled from the chamber as alleged by LSK. Zulekha left the chamber in compliance with the Speaker’s directive,” Sialai said in a statement. “It is unfortunate for LSK to issue an alarming statement without ascertaining facts on what transpired in the chamber,” he added.
LSK had demanded PSC issues an apology to Zulekha as well as lead by example and provide a conducive work environment for breastfeeding staff.
