Mathare MP spoils Babu Owino’s 'graduation party', calls him a stranger

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There was brief drama in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was ordered to leave the chambers and return properly dressed.

The newly admitted advocate had walked into the House wearing a lawyer's collar, sparking objections from Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch.

Rising on a point of order, Mr Oluoch said, “If I look at the Speaker’s panel, including yourself, you are dressed in a collar."

The MP who is also a lawyer by profession continued, "Is it in order that the Member for Embakasi East walks and sits into a House dressed as if he were the Speaker, save for your gown? This honourable member may have been admitted to the bar the other day, but that dressing code may cause confusion. I may be forced to go and bring my collar and dress as much.”

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula agreed with the Mathare MP, reminding the House that while members are free to celebrate their achievements, the rules on parliamentary dress code remain clear.

“Honourable Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed,” ruled Mr Wetang’ula.

“Even your very seniors, the likes of Millie Odhiambo, Senior Otiende Amollo, Otieno Kajwang’ (sic), Gladys Shollei, have never turned up dressed like that. I order you to retreat from the House, dress up, and come back.”

As Mr Owino exited the chamber, the Speaker added, “Order, Babu. When you are asked to leave the chamber, do so without fanfare.”

The Speaker’s directive was in line with Standing Order 259, which provides that “proper dressing for male Members shall be a coat, collar, tie, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, socks and shoes or service uniform for Members of the Armed Forces.”

The same Order requires female MPs to wear formal business or service attire.

Mr Owino, who was admitted to the bar on Monday, has since received online praise for his academic achievement.

However, in Parliament, rules of procedure remain paramount--even for newly minted advocates.