Sonko thrown out of House over 'improper' dress code

By Peter Opiyo

Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko was kicked out of Parliament for dressing 'inappropriately'.

The MP had entered the chambers wearing ear studs and sunglasses when Information and Communications Assistant Minister George Khaniri alerted Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim and Sonko was subsequently ordered out of the House.

Mr Maalim said in the history of the august House, no male MP had ever come to the chamber dressed ‘in earrings or something on the ears’.

"The Speaker vehemently says the manner Mr ‘Sonko’ is dressed doesn’t depict the dignity of the House," he said.

Cannot be tolerated

But before Maalim could rule he allowed for ventilations over the matter where members expressed varied opinions on his mode of dressing.

Bumula MP Wakoli Bifwoli said it was inappropriate for the MP to dress like a woman.

Makadara MP Gidion Mbuvi alias Sonko: He was thrown out of Parliament for dressing inappropriately.

"In the history of this world, men have never imitated women," alleged Mr Wakoli as Kangundo MP Johnston Muthama said the dress code ‘depicted another behaviour that is not associated with upright men’ and that one day, we may have young men put on brassieres if this dress code could be tolerated.

In his defence, Mr Mbuvi said he was representing the youth in the House and that his dress code reflected this.

But MPs Fred Outa (Nyando) and David Koech (Mosop) disagreed, saying it was a bad example to the youth and that not all young men dress like the MP.

As much as it was a serious matter, it also had its share of comical aspects when Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Kabando wa Kabando said probably Sonko would as well be comfortable with a skirt dress to complete his dress code.

Reflect his name

Cherangany’s Joshua Kuttuny saw no problem with the dress code and argued Mbuvi has a trendy name — Sonko — (slang for a wealthy person) and that his dress code has also to reflect his name.

Also MPs Martha Karua (Gichugu), Gitobu Imanyara (Imenti Central) and Charles Kilonzo (Yatta) had no problem with the dress code. They argued the MP had the freedom to choose how to dress.

Mr Kilonzo said Sonko’s dress code was representative of the youth from Makadara.

‘Style back Through him’

"Dressing is personal, everybody is dressed according to taste and trends change. We really have to let people go on with their business," said Ms Karua.

But nominated MP Sheikh Dor said: "An MP is a leader and a role model. It is not right for a leader to put on things that are not meant for men."

East Africa Community Assistant Minister Peter Munya argued people used to dress like the MP in the past but the style fizzled away and maybe it was coming back through Sonko.