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"id": 1268480,
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"content": "Hon. Senators, the matter of dress code of Senators has surfaced a number of times in the short stint of the 13th Parliament, warranting my hand to render a well- reasoned, considered and final ruling on the matter. I note with concern that the issue of dress-code has been raised as a point of order six times. I will summarily remind the House of the number of instances that have arisen concerning Senators’ choice of dress as follows - which time could have been used to consider more important matters: On 12th October, 2022 when the Senator for Nyandarua County, Sen. John Methu, rose on a point of order to highlight the attire of Senator for Kisii County, Sen. Richard Onyonka; During the same sitting, the Senator for Laikipia County, Sen. John Kinyua sought intervention of the Chair concerning the dressing of the Senator for Kiambu County, Sen. Karungo Thang’wa; On 14th February, 2023, Nominated Senator, Sen. Tabitha Mutinda rose on a point of order objecting the manner in which Nominated Senator, Sen. Gloria Orwoba was dressed and she was supported by several Senators; During the same sitting, the Senator for Migori County, Sen. Oketch Gicheru rose on a point of order seeking the direction of the Chair on the dressing of Nominated Senator, Sen. Karen Nyamu; On 2nd March, 2023, the Senator for Mombasa County, Sen. Mwinyihaji Mohamed Faki sought the intervention of the Chair on the dress code of Nominated Senator, Sen. Raphael Chimera; On 31st May, 2023, Sen. Samson Cherarkey rose on a point of order objecting to the manner in which Sen. Gloria Orwoba was dressed, accusing her of being dressed like a Disc Jockey. Hon.Senators, Rule No. 5 of the Speakers Rules states as follows: “Senators are required not to enter the Chamber, Lounge or Dining Room without being properly dressed. This means that a male Senator shall be dressed in a coat, collar, tie, long trousers, socks and shoes, or service uniform, religious attire or such other decent dressing as may be approved by the Speaker from time to time. An equivalent standard shall apply in respect of women Senators who may also wear Kitenge or such other African attire.” Hon. Senators, the Speaker’s Rules are made pursuant to Section 37 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, specifically Section 37 (1), (2), and (3), which states as follows: - (1) The Speaker of either House of Parliament may, from time to time, issue such orders as may be necessary or expedient for the better carrying out of the purposes of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the orders may provide for- (a) The admittance of members of the public to the precincts of Parliament or the deduction of any monies due to a Member in respect of refreshments or other facilities made available to Members within the precincts of Parliament; (b) The appropriate dress code for Members. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}