Lusaka allows Senators in cultural attire to conduct House business

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has made a landmark ruling that allows members clad in cultural attire to access the chambers of Parliament and conduct House business.

The ruling was prompted by Narok senator Ledama ole Kina who attended Tuesday’s House business dressed in the famous Maasai shuka, triggering protestation from Wajir senator Abdulahi Ali who argued it could open the door of all manner of dressing.

Dr Ali asked the Speaker to make a ruling on whether the senator was properly dressed.

In his ruling, Mr Lusaka cited the constitutional provisions on culture and the Speaker’s rule book that detail the way and manner in which members should dress in the chamber.

The rule book declares that a member must be dressed in a formal suit, a shirt and tie, socks and shoes. It also approves entry into the chamber of service uniforms, religious attire and any other “decent attire that must be approved from time”.

The Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation.

“We all represent counties and we know that every county has its own unique cultural dressing,” Mr Lusaka ruled, noting that cultural dressing of Narok and Kajiado counties are recognidsed world over.

“Based on that it would be unfair and unconstitutional for me to order Mr ole Kina out of the chamber on the account that he is not properly dressed.”

“I rule he is properly dressed and he must remain in the chamber,” Mr Lusaka said to a thunderous applause from the House.

Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot welcomed the ruling saying it will enrich Kenyan culture.