TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

A wardrobe choice sparked controversy in Parliament, leading to the unexpected removal of outspoken MP Babu Owino.

On Tuesday, July 1, the Embakasi East lawmaker was ordered out of the National Assembly after arriving dressed in full advocates’ regalia.

He wore a black suit and a white collar band, an outfit commonly associated with legal practitioners.

His appearance quickly attracted the attention of his peers, with Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch raising the issue with Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Oluoch sought clarity on whether Babu's attire conformed with the House's official dress code, noting that it looked strikingly similar to the Speaker’s ceremonial robe.

He suggested that allowing such a look could create confusion and undermine the chamber’s decorum.

In his ruling, Speaker Wetang’ula stated that while legal professionals are part of the House, none had ever worn their professional robes during sessions.

He ruled that Babu's attire was inappropriate and directed him to leave the chamber and only return in acceptable clothing. Babu complied without resistance and stepped out to change.

Outside Parliament, Babu strongly defended his decision, expressing disappointment over how his dressing was perceived.

He explained that the attire symbolises a long and demanding academic journey, noting that he earned the right to wear it after six years of study, four years for his Bachelor of Laws degree and two more at the Kenya School of Law.

“It’s funny that I was removed for wearing something that took me six years to earn,” he said, contrasting it with what he called a quick fix by other lawmakers.

“The whole of Parliament, over three hundred members, just went to the shop for five minutes to buy a tie. Meanwhile, I earned my dress code through hard work. Then they send me out. I wonder who should have been ejected,” he added.

He went on to accuse the lawmakers of being jealous of his success, suggesting that the move to send him out was politically motivated.

“We understand these things. These are politics. Anyway, we forgive them. Forgive them because they don't know what they are doing,” he added.

In a related incident previously covered by , Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek was kicked out of a parliamentary session for wearing a Kaunda suit that closely resembled President William Ruto’s signature style.

The outfit, though smart and neatly tailored, did not meet Parliament’s official dress code requirements.

Parliamentary authorities ruled that Kiborek’s attire was not in line with the House’s prescribed standards, prompting the Speaker to order his removal.

While the MP complied with the decision, he took issue with what he saw as rigid rules favouring colonial-era styles like the necktie over more African designs.

Source: TUKO.co.ke