Wamuchomba’s yellow outfit sparks debate in Parliament

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A light moment broke out in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon after MPs turned their attention from matters of state to the yellow-and-black outfit worn by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.

It began when Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo raised concern over what she viewed as political messaging through colours, asking the Speaker whether Wamuchomba was in order to wear “everything yellow.”

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie (KJ) quickly jumped in with a jab of his own: “Is she in order for Hon. Millie to say that everything Hon. Wamuchomba is in yellow?”

Amid laughter in the House, Ms Wamuchomba defended herself boldly:

“Why are you so particular about my yellow and black, yet there are other members in yellow? It’s because you all know I’ve come here to deal with the Finance Bill!”

But Speaker Moses Wetang’ula reminded the House that the Finance Bill 2025 had already been approved for Third Reading. He then delivered a measured ruling:

“Honourable Millie, the Speaker’s communication on proper dressing does not deal with party colours but party symbols. The Speaker is blind to colours.”

The Speaker was referring to Parliamentary Communication No. 082 of 2023, which outlines decorum in the Chamber. The guidance does not ban specific colours but prohibits visible party logos, emblems, or slogans. Dress code rules emphasize smart, professional attire, whether business or safari-style.

The interruption came as Mwatate MP Peter Mbogho was on the floor, recognizing Bura Girls Secondary School students in the public gallery. Earlier, Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah had welcomed students from Alliance High School, proudly noting it as his alma mater from his Kikuyu Constituency.

Later in the sitting, Mr Ichung’wah tabled a statement confirming that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen would appear before the House on June 25 to respond to concerns over police brutality, especially in the wake of recent protests and civilian shootings.

Though the Finance Bill itself was not debated on Thursday, the House session provided plenty of colour--both literal and political.