Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was on Tuesday directed out of the National Assembly chambers after appearing in an advocate’s collar – a wear deemed unproper under Parliament’s official dress.

The issue was brought to the Speaker by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who questioned Babu’s attire and asked for direction.

“Honourable Speaker, you have several issued rulings about the manner in which people must dress themselves. Those rules form part of the tradition of this House,” Oluoch explained to the Speaker.

He went on to add, “Is it in order that the Member for Embakasi East walks and sits into the House dressed as if he were the Speaker, save for your gown? This honourable member may have been admitted the other day, but that dressing code may cause confusion.”

Oluoch warned that Babu Owino’s attire could set a bad precedent in the House, joking, “I may be forced to go and bring my collar and dress as much.”

He requested clarification, “Therefore, I ask Honourable Speaker to give guidance as to whether the Honourable Member for Embakasi East is improperly dressed.”

In his response, Speaker Moses Wetangula sustained Oluoch’s concern, ruling that Babu Owino was definitely out of line.

“Indeed, Honourable Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed,” the Speaker said.

“Even your very seniors, the likes of Millie Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, Otieno Kajwang’, the ‘Chief Justice’ in quotes, Gladys Shollei, have never turned up dressed like that.”

With that, the Speaker directed Owino to leave the chambers.

“I order you to retreat from the House, dress up, and come back,” he directed him.

As Babu Owino left the chamber, the Speaker reminded him in one final time: “Order, Babu. When you are ordered to leave, you leave without fanfare.”

The Embakasi East MP was among the 609 lawyers admitted to the bar on May 23, 2025.