NAIROBI, Kenya— Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was ejected from the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon for what the Speaker termed as “improper dressing,” after the legislator showed up in an advocate’s collar—just weeks after being admitted to the Bar.
The incident, which sparked light drama in the House, was brought to the Speaker’s attention by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who argued that Babu’s attire went against parliamentary decorum.
“Honourable Speaker, you have issued several rulings on the manner in which members must dress,” Oluoch said. “The Honourable Member for Embakasi East walked in dressed as if he were the Speaker, save for your gown. That may cause confusion.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula upheld Oluoch’s concern, ordering the first-time advocate to leave the chambers and return in proper attire.
“Honourable Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed,” ruled the Speaker. “Even your seniors—Millie Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, the late Otieno Kajwang’, and Gladys Shollei—have never turned up dressed like that.”
As Babu Owino exited the chamber without protest, the Speaker added pointedly: “Order, Babu. When you are ordered to leave, you leave without fanfare.”
The youthful MP, a former student leader known for his flair and controversy, was recently admitted to the Roll of Advocates on May 23 in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. He was among 609 new advocates sworn in at the Supreme Court of Kenya.
He pledged to use his legal training for public good, promising to offer free legal representation to underprivileged Kenyans.
