A photo collage of Nyandarua Senator John Methu (Left) and Kiambu Senator Karungo Paul Thang'wa (Right) who were kicked out of the chambers for inappropriate dress code on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Photo/Senate
Two Senators were on Tuesday, April 18, kicked out of the chamber for inappropriate dress code.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa and his Nyandarua counterpart John Methu found themselves on the wrong side of the House's Standing Orders for donning their signature short-sleeved garments.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi took action after his attention was drawn to the way the two Senators had dressed up during the afternoon session.
It began when Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo raised a point of order that the Nyandarua lawmaker was inappropriately dressed for the business of the house.
Speaker Amason Kingi addressing the Senate on March 16, 2023.
Photo
Senate
"Mr Speaker, while I recognise our brother Methu's ability and youthfulness, it's important to note that we have rules and Standing Orders that we must all adhere to," Madzayo stated.
The Kilifi Senator wondered why Methu did not follow the rules that dictate the dress code and other procedural matters in the House.
Madazyo, therefore, called on Speaker Kingi to take disciplinary action against John Methu.
In response, Speaker Kingi made his observations and finally ordered Senator Methu out of the chambers based on his dress code.
"I, therefore, order you out of the chambers for inappropriate dress code," ordered Speaker Kingi who also warned other members against poor dress code.
Barely a minute after Speaker Kingi kicked out Senator Methu, Minority Leader Madzayo once again rose on a Point of Order and asked the House leadership to review the dress code of Kiambu Senator.
While responding to Minority Leader Madzayo, the Speaker invited Kiambu Senator Karungo Paul Thangwa to stand up so that he could assess his dress code.
The Speaker was not able to accurately make a proper evaluation of the dress, hence, asking him to approach the chair.
After minutes of the review, Speaker Kingi ordered Thangwa out of the plenary for an inappropriate dress code, which was a short-sleeved suit.
Senators Karen Nyamu was dressed in a kitenge skirt and a black sleeveless blouse that left her arms uncovered which, according to the House rules, was deemed inappropriate dressing.
While Senator Gloria Orwoba was kicked out for dressing up in tainted trouser, as she attempted to raise awareness about menstrual challenges that women go through.
On February 19, 2019, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo’s dressing caused a stir in the National Assembly, forcing Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch to question whether it was appropriate for the House.
The former Speaker Justin Muturi ordered Otiende out after reviewing the dress code which he stated that was inappropriate for the National Assembly.
Former Speaker Muturi gave a clear directive on the matter, adding that he once warned against wearing inappropriate attire.
The Speaker’s Rules (Revised) 2017 provide that members are required not to enter the chamber, lounge or dining room without being properly dressed.
"A male member shall be dressed in a coat, collar, tie, long trousers, socks and shoes, or service uniform, religious attire or such other decent dressing as may be approved by the Speaker from time to time.
"An equivalent standard shall apply for women legislators who may also wear kitenge or such other African attire," Speaker Kingi stated.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo (left) and Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi (right) at Azimio la Umoja rally at Kasarani Stadium, on Friday, December 10, 2021
Photo/Otiende Amollo
