NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned Members of Parliament against wearing coordinated party colours or political insignia in the House, saying Parliament should not be used as a platform for partisan displays.
The warning followed a dispute during the first sitting after Parliament resumed from a short recess, when 13 lawmakers allied to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) entered the Chamber wearing matching party colours.
The coordinated attire sparked objections from fellow legislators, who argued it contravened the National Assembly’s Standing Orders governing members’ conduct and dress.
Speaker Declines Immediate Action
Delivering his ruling, Wetang’ula said he was not yet convinced that the clothing worn by the legislators constituted prohibited party insignia but warned that the House would not tolerate political messaging through coordinated attire.
“I am not aware of the colours that the few members are wearing. If the Speaker is subsequently convinced that what you are wearing is party insignia or party colours, then we will tell you that you are out of order,” Wetang’ula ruled.
He emphasised that Parliament’s rules prohibit members from turning the Chamber into a venue for political demonstrations through clothing or symbols.
Special Occasions an Exception
The Speaker cited the 2021 swearing-in of former Kiambaa MP John Wanjiku, when lawmakers affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), including Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, wore coordinated attire to mark the occasion.
Wetang’ula said that instance was permitted because it was a unique parliamentary event and should not be interpreted as a precedent for routine political displays.
“But from today onwards, unless it is such a special occasion, we do not entertain party uniforms in the House, and you know that is part of our Standing Orders,” he directed.
He clarified that wearing similar colours alone does not automatically breach parliamentary rules unless the clothing is deliberately used to promote party identity or political mobilisation.
“It is possible that members can all come wearing black suits or all come wearing yellow suits, but the moment you turn them into party symbols and party agitation in the House, you will be ruled out of order,” he said.
Kiarie Raises Objection
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie raised the matter on the floor of the House, arguing that the coordinated appearance of the DCP legislators amounted to an organised political statement.
“If there was only one member showing up in a certain colour in the House, then we would have taken it to be the member’s wardrobe. However, we are seeing a gang of 13 Members of Parliament donning party insignia on the floor of the House,” Kiarie said.
Kiarie also welcomed newly sworn-in Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau to the National Assembly following his recent by-election victory, reminding him that all members are expected to comply with the House’s Standing Orders.
He further dismissed the political significance of the coordinated attire, noting that the DCP lawmakers remained a small minority in the House.
“Thirteen Members of Parliament are a sure minority in this House. They are up against hundreds of Members of Parliament and are totally out of order,” he said.
Maintaining Parliamentary Neutrality
Wetang’ula concluded by reiterating that the National Assembly must remain politically neutral in appearance and conduct, warning that coordinated dress intended to advance partisan interests during parliamentary proceedings would not be permitted.
