Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino was on Tuesday, July 1, ejected from Parliament over alleged improper dressing.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued orders to Babu, who was dressed in his lawyer’s robes, to leave the House and change his attire before resuming the sitting.

Babu’s ‘improper dressing’ was first raised by Mathare Member of Parliament Tom Oluoch, who openly called him out.

“If I look at the speaker’s panel, including yourself, you are dressed in a collar. Is it in order for the member for Embakasi East walks and sits in the house dressed as the speaker? We need guidance on whether this forms part of the proper dressing code of this house. This honourable member may have been admitted the other day, but that dressing code may cause confusion.” Oluoch said on the floor of the house.

Speaker Wetang’ula, agreed with the matter raised by Mathare MP, and immediately ordered Babu Owino to leave the House until he changed his clothes.

“Indeed, Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed. Even your very seniors (counsels) like Millie Odhiambo even Otiende Amollo, have never turned up dressed like that. I order you to retreat from the house, dress up and come back,” Wetangula ordered,” the Speaker ordered. 

Before making his way to the National Assembly, Babu Owino was present at the Milimani Law Courts to represent Ndiangui Kinyagia, a blogger who has been missing for 10 days since June 22.

The issue of dress code in Parliament has long been a contentious topic, occasionally leading to humorous outcomes.

In June, Wetang’ula was forced to clarify the issue of parliamentary attire after between members of Parliament Millie Odhiambo and Gathoni Wamuchomba.

The clash began when Millie criticized her Githunguri counterpart, Gathoni Wamuchomba, for wearing yellow during a parliamentary session. Taking a jab at Wamuchomba, a known ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Odhiambo suggested the choice of colour was inappropriate as it signaled political allegiance.