National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula on Tuesday declined to reprimand a group of about 13 MPs allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) after they appeared in Parliament wearing matching green blazers associated with the party.
The issue arose during the swearing-in ceremony of Ol Kalou MP Sammy Waweru, when Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie raised concerns that the coordinated attire violated the House Standing Orders prohibiting party insignia and uniforms in the chamber.
Kiarie argued that while individual clothing choices might be personal, the collective wearing of green blazers by several MPs amounted to political messaging and contravened parliamentary rules.
Responding, Speaker Wetang'ula said there was insufficient evidence to confirm the blazers represented official party insignia. He emphasized that unless clear proof emerges linking the attire to party symbols, the MPs cannot be ruled out of order.
However, Wetang'ula reminded all legislators that the House Standing Orders generally forbid the display of party uniforms during sessions, except on special occasions such as swearing-in ceremonies.
He noted:
- Members may wear similar colours but must avoid using them to promote political parties within the chamber.
- Turning coordinated dress into political agitation would lead to a ruling of disorder.
- Previous exceptions were made for newly elected members during formal ceremonies.
The ruling came as Sammy Waweru took his oath of office after winning the Ol Kalou by-election on a DCP ticket. The presence of MPs in green blazers was seen as a show of solidarity with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's party.
