Gidion Mbuvi, a controversial 35-year-old MP for a Nairobi constituency best known for his extra-parliametary antics, caused an uproar when he walked into the chamber wearing sunglasses and diamond studs.
“Never in the history of this House… have I seen a situation in which a member of parliament, who is a male, come in with earrings or some stuff in the ears or whatever you may want to call it,” Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim said.
“The dress or the manner in which the honourable (MP) is dressed today does not depict, in the eyes and the opinion and the conscience of the chair, the dignity of this House and that of an honourable member.”
Many lawmakers concurred.
“In the history of this world since God created man, man has never imitated woman,” said Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli.
“Mr Mbuvi, needs to have the totality of that dressing so earrings and a skirt would be in order for him,” added Youth Affairs and Sport Assistant Minister Kabando wa Kabando.
However, supporters of the young MP popularly known as Sonko – Swahili slang for a rich and flamboyant person – argued the deputy speaker was being intolerant.
“The way of life of a Sonko is one who dresses well, by putting on stunners, studs, sports and well-lined suits, and that is what you are witnessing here today,” said one MP.
Mbuvi was elected last year and, like many of his peers from the old guard, has been dogged by corruption allegations ever since.