Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro (right) leaves the Senate. Speakers of both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday did away with ceremonial wigs. Photo/Emma Nzioka
Speakers of both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday did away with ceremonial wigs, following in the footsteps of the Judiciary in a major departure from the colonial tradition.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was the first to break the Commonwealth tradition by presiding over the National Assembly without the traditional wig.
Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro also wore the gown but without a wig. Supreme Court judges have discarded wigs and traditional court garbs.
Ceremonial garments, which originated from the House of Commons in the United Kingdom are the official dress for Speakers and Clerks for sitting of the House and for certain ceremonial or State occasions.
In August 2011, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga allowed judges, magistrates and lawyers to wear suits in place of wigs and robes when he took over the leadership of the Judiciary.
Mr Muturi, who on Tuesday wore the full attire with a white wig and grey gown, walked into the chambers for the first full session of the assembly without the wig.
President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated the 11th Parliament on Tuesday by addressing a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly. So far, there is no official communication on the decision to drop the wigs.
Meanwhile, first-time MPs had a difficult time trying to catch the Speaker’s attention to make maiden speeches or contribute to debate on the second day of the Assembly and Senate sitting.
Mr Muturi had a hectic time identifying MPs due to lack of electronic identification cards. The refurbished chamber which was opened in December 2012 only has room for electronic voting.
Refurbished at a cost of Sh950 million, the chamber has controlled microphones or buzzers essential for alerting the Speaker that one wants to contribute. Use of these electronic tools requires a special card and a personal identification number. The cards are yet to be made, forcing many who wished to speak to shout, raise arms or stand to be noticed.
Kibra MP Ken Okoth instead of rising on his feet raised his arm, prompting Speaker Muturi to say: “Raising of arms like you are in a primary school is not honourable at all”.
Mr Okoth sought to contribute on the list of appointees to the Committee on Selection, which appoints members to the various House teams.
“While I thank you for your guidance, I am rising to oppose the tyranny of longevity that has left out new members. Is there preference for leaders who have served longer in this House?” Mr Okoth asked.
Leader of Majority Party Aden Duale and Gem’s Jokoyo Midiwo said there was urgent need for induction.
“We have teething problems on technology. We need cards to identify us so that we don’t look like people in a market,” said Mr Midiwo.
