Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo’s dressing on Wednesday caused a stir in Parliament after Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch questioned whether it was appropriate for the house.
In his argument, the legislator stated that Amollo was not in a collared shirt as per the rules of the 12th Parliament and asked Speaker Justin Muturi to give a clear directive on the matter.
He added that he was once warned against wearing inappropriate attire after showing up in a gown and wig after representing a client in court.
"I was told I was not properly dressed. Otiende seems to be creating a custom wearing a collarless shirt without a tie. Is this proper dressing for the house?" he asked.
In his defense, Amollo reiterated that he had read all the standing orders and was strictly adhering to the house rules.
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"Seasoned members are allowed to walk in with mandarin collar suits without ties. This is because it is a collar and it covers up to the neck.
"I have looked at the standing orders. Whatever you are wearing must cover up to your neck. You can wear a collar or a tie," he stated.
Minority Leader John Mbadi also weighed in on the matter urging the speaker to clearly spell out the required dress code to avoid conflict in future.
He jokingly stated that Amollo was dressed like a pastor, adding that he does not like putting on suits but has to respect the rules of the house.
"I don't agree with Otiende that you can have a collar as a substitute for a tie, because I don't know what kind of a House we would be if we all decide to wear T-shirts that cover our necks without ties.
"Otiende should be ruled out of order found to be improperly dressed. He should just accept to wear the tie being that he is in the House and not in his constituency. Not all of us like to wear suits with ties but we have respect for the house," he stated.
Majority Leader Aden Duale concurred with Mbadi, noting that the Kenyan parliament heavily borrows from the House of Commons and designer clothes should be left outside.
