NewsParliament Dress Code Changed For First Time Since 1963

Parliament Dress Code Changed For First Time Since 1963

-

- Advertisment -spot_img
  • Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka has made a historic ruling regarding how Senators are allowed to dress in the house. 

    During a session on Tuesday, November 10, Speaker Lusaka stated that legislators would now be allowed to access Parliament’s debate chambers and attend house business in traditional African attire.

    The historic ruling was triggered by Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina who caused a spectacle by dressing in traditional Maasai regalia.

    Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina in the Senate on November 10, 2020
    File

    Wajir Senator Abdullahi Ibrahim raised a point of order, noting that Ledama’s dressing contravened the Senate’s standing orders and traditions which have run since the colonial era. 

    Speaker Lusaka later ruled that the constitution recognises culture as an important aspect of the nation. He added that the Maasai attire was globally recognised as thus acceptable for Ledama to wear.

    “It would be absurd, unfortunate, and unconstitutional for me to dismiss Ole Kina for wearing a dress that has been globally recognised not just as a symbol of the Maasai but also something that globally identified our heritage as a country,” he ruled.

    The senator thanked Lusaka by saying “My culture my pride. Thank you Mr. Speaker for respecting the constitution and our culture!”

    The landmark ruling will only apply to the Senate until the National Assembly reconsiders the age-old dress code. 

    The dress code in Parliament has remained unchanged since Kenya attained independence in 1963. Male MPs have been required to wear a formal suit, a shirt and a tie – a tradition borrowed from Britain. 

    A number of leaders have been kicked out of Parliament over their dress code including Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, ODM Leader Raila Odinga and his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

    The late Jaramogi was kicked out for wearing a pair of shorts while the ODM leader was ejected in 2003 for dressing in Nigerian men’s attire popularly known as abgaba

    Sonko, then the MP for Makadara, was ordered out of the house after entering the chambers wearing ear studs and sunglasses.

    He tried to explain that he was a youth and that his dressing represented the youth of the country but his argument fell on deaf ears. 

    Mike Sonko, then Makadara MP, when he entered Parliament chambers wearing ear studs and sunglasses in 2011
    Mike Sonko, then Makadara MP, when he entered Parliament chambers wearing ear studs and sunglasses in 2011
    File
  • Source: KENYAGIST.COM

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Latest news

    Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?

    Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?What is a toxische on-off-beziehung? a toxische on-off-beziehung is a type of relationship where one...

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set to receive ongoing medical treatment at a hospital in the...

    Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a senior member of...

    'They’re Jealous of Me', Nakhumicha Over Recent Criticism

    Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the individuals criticising her over allegations of underperformance within...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    Court Orders City Lawyer Behind Ksh 283M Scam to Refund Loot

    The High Court on Thursday ordered a Nairobi lawyer to refund Ksh25 million he is accused of obtaining fraudulently. While...

    How to Buy Cryptocurrency with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

    Are you a Kenyan interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa? Although direct purchases of cryptocurrencies via M-Pesa are currently...

    Must read

    Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?

    Was ist eine toxische on-off-beziehung?What is a toxische on-off-beziehung?...

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    You might also likeRELATED
    Recommended to you