Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was ordered out of the National Assembly chambers on Tuesday after showing up wearing an advocate’s collar an outfit that violated the House’s strict dress code.
The unusual wardrobe choice sparked a point of order from Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who sought clarity from the Speaker, arguing that the attire resembled that of the Speaker himself and could create confusion on the floor.
“Mr. Speaker, you’ve made several rulings in the past on appropriate dressing in this House,” Oluoch said. “Is it in order that the Member for Embakasi East walks in dressed like the Speaker, minus the gown? This could easily mislead the House. I might even feel compelled to come dressed the same.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula agreed, ruling that Babu was indeed out of order and in violation of parliamentary decorum. “Even your seniors Millie Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, Otieno Kajwang’, and Gladys Shollei have never appeared here dressed like that,” the Speaker remarked. “Kindly step out, dress appropriately, and return.”
As Babu Owino made his exit, the Speaker sternly added, “Order, Babu. When you are asked to leave the chamber, do so without fanfare.”
The Embakasi East MP, who remained silent during the exchange, was recently admitted to the Roll of Advocates. He was among 609 new lawyers sworn in on May 23, 2025, in a ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Kenya, presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
After his admission, Babu described the achievement as the start of a new chapter, pledging to offer free legal services to Kenyans who cannot afford representation. “This is not about personal glory,” he said at the time. “It is about standing up for that Kenyan who is suffering and in need of justice.”
