Ichung’wah, while speaking in the House, turned to Junet and questioned his identity. He said Junet is Somali and not Luo.
His remarks made some MPs cheer and laugh, while others looked shocked. A section of lawmakers loudly supported him by banging tables.
Junet quickly stood up to respond. He did not hesitate. He said it is true he was born Somali, but he now identifies as a Luo.
He told the House that he has lived and worked with the Luo community for many years and that they support him politically.
Junet warned Ichung’wah not to attack his identity for political reasons. He said such remarks could damage his political career and create unnecessary ethnic tension. He also said he leads Luo MPs in Parliament and that his leadership should be respected.
The exchange caused noise in the chamber as MPs from both sides shouted at each other. The Speaker had to step in to calm the House and allow debate to continue.
Some lawmakers felt the comments were too personal and should not have been raised in Parliament. Others defended Ichung’wah, saying leaders must be ready for criticism.
Even after order was restored, the argument remained the main topic of discussion in Parliament corridors. The incident showed the growing tension between leaders from different political sides.
Despite the heated moment, House business continued, but it was clear that the sharp exchange between the two senior leaders had left many MPs talking long after the debate moved on.
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