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Homa Bay County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo has become the talk of the town for admonishing senior county government officials who do not wear coats during public functions.
Ogindo surprised many people when he stood on the podium to admonish MCAs and executives who did not adorn coats. The majority leader spoke at Governor's Park in Homa Bay town when officials were signing performance contracts.
Ogindo was given the opportunity to speak and invite the county Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya who invited Deputy Governor Oyugi Mangwanga who finally invited Governor Gladys Wanga to address the gathering.
Ogindo started by admonishing an MCA whom he said he had warned against the habit of putting on shirts during public functions.
"I had talked to these colleagues of mine and warned them against putting on shirts during official functions. He is an honorable member of the county assembly who should put on a coat during an occasion of this nature," Ogindo said.
He then moved on to county government officials.
"I have also seen some chief officers and directors who are putting on shirts. It is wrong to put on shirts during an important function like this," said Ogindo.
He told the officials to consider their dress codes when attending the county functions.
"I am saying this as a senior most MCA who is serving his third term. Avoid this habit of putting on shirts during important functions. Put on your coats," Ogindo said.
Wanga and Magwanga only emphasised significance of signing performance contracts.
People perceived Ogindo's comments with dissenting opinions. Some residents argued that Ogindo was embarrassing the officials. Some of them said he was teaching the officials
Speaker of Homa Bay County Bunge la Wenye Nchi Walter Opiyo argued that people who hold top offices should put on suits. However, he said, they should not be pressurised due to the high cost of living.
"It is good to dress neatly. But we are aware of the high cost of living and various needs people are expected to meet in their families. For example, when resources are limited, should you pay a child's school fees or buy a suit? They should not be pushed," Opiyo said
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