Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino was dramatically ejected from Parliament on Tuesday, July 1, over what was described as inappropriate dressing.
The order came from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who instructed Babu to change his outfit before he could return to the chambers and continue with the session.
Babu Owino had entered Parliament wearing an advocate’s robe, which quickly drew attention and sparked debate. Mathare MP Tom Oluoch raised the matter before the House, questioning whether Babu’s outfit aligned with the official dress code of Parliament.
“If I look at the Speaker’s panel, including yourself, you are all wearing a collar. Is it in order for the Member from Embakasi East to sit in this House dressed as the Speaker himself? We need clarification on whether this attire is allowed in the House,” Oluoch stated.
He added that although Babu might have recently been admitted as an advocate, his choice of outfit could cause unnecessary confusion.
Speaker Wetang’ula supported Oluoch’s remarks and ruled that Babu was indeed not properly dressed. He instructed the legislator to leave the House and return only after changing his clothes.
“Honourable Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed. Even your senior colleagues at the Bar do not attend sessions dressed like that. I order you to step out, change, and come back when dressed appropriately,” Wetang’ula declared.
Earlier in the day, before his appearance in Parliament, Babu had attended a hearing at the Milimani Law Courts where he represented blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia as senior counsel. Kinyagia has been missing since June 22, and his disappearance has raised serious concerns.
During the court session, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed failed to appear. As a result, the High Court issued another summons requiring the DCI chief to show up in court on Thursday and explain the whereabouts of the missing blogger.
Speaking to the media after the court session, Babu Owino sharply criticized the DCI boss and promised to remain involved in Kinyagia’s case until justice is served.
“The DCI has shifted from prosecution to persecution. As leaders and legal representatives of Ndiangui Kinyagia, we will fight for justice to the very end. This must be the last case of abduction in our country,” Babu stated.
The debate over Parliament’s dress code is not new and has often sparked heated discussions — and sometimes even humorous confrontations.
Just last month, Speaker Wetang’ula was again forced to step in and clarify dress code rules following a clash between two MPs.
The incident involved Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba. Millie called out Wamuchomba for wearing yellow during parliamentary proceedings, hinting that her outfit symbolized political loyalty — especially since Wamuchomba is known to support Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Millie’s comments reignited the debate around political expression through attire, prompting the Speaker to reiterate the importance of maintaining neutrality and professionalism through dress in the House.
Overall, Babu Owino’s ejection is another reminder of the strict parliamentary rules on dress code and how these rules are enforced — even for senior members and legal professionals.
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