Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was ordered out of the National Assembly by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for wearing an advocate’s collar during a parliamentary session.
The incident occurred when a fellow MP raised concern over Owino’s attire, drawing the Speaker’s attention to what was described as a violation of the House’s standing orders. The MP pointed out that Babu’s dress code resembled that of the Speaker, noting that only the Speaker is permitted to dress in such a manner. He then sought clarification from the Speaker on whether Owino was properly dressed.
“Is it in order that the member for Embakasi East walks in and sits in the house dressed as if he were the speaker, save for your gown? Mr Speaker, we need your guidance as to whether this forms part of the proper dress code. He might have been admitted the other day. This dress code is causing confusion,” MP Olouch said.
In response, Speaker Wetang’ula ruled that Babu Owino was indeed improperly dressed. He stated that even senior advocates in the House, who are also members of parliament, have never worn an advocate’s collar while in session. He cited examples such as himself, Millie Odhiambo, Otiende Amollo, Tom Kajwang’, and Gladys Shollei, noting that none had ever appeared in the chambers dressed in such a manner.
The Speaker then ordered Babu Owino to leave the chambers and return only after changing into appropriate attire.
“Indeed, Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed; even you, very senior, the likes of Milly Odhiambo, Otiendo Omollo, Otieno Kajwang, and Chief Justice Gladys Shollei, have never turned up dressed like that. I order you to retreat from the house and dress up and come back,” Wetangula said.
Babu Owino complied with the directive, leaving the chamber with a lighthearted demeanor, laughing as he made his exit in his usual flamboyant style.
Babu Owino’s admission to the bar
On May 23, 2025, Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya during a ceremony held at the Supreme Court and presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
This milestone followed his graduation with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi and completion of a six-month pupillage.
