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Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina on Tuesday caused a stir in the Senate after he attended a sitting wearing Maasai attire.
The outfit captured the attention of his colleagues who asked for Speaker Kenneth Lusaka’s direction on whether Ledama was appropriately dressed.
“Mr. Speaker, Senator Ledama is wearing what looks like Maasai regalia. Is he in order because we can also come with all kinds of attire,” Wajir Senator Abdullahi Ibrahim stated.
But Speaker Lusaka ruled that members are allowed to wear traditional regalia in the chamber, noting that each of the 47 counties represented in the senate has its own culture and traditional attire that needs to be preserved.
“We all know that we represent counties and certain counties have their own cultural dresses. Given, for example, Narok and Kajiado their cultural dress has been recognized the world over as a Kenyan culture,” Lusaka said.
“So, it would be very unfortunate for me and unconstitutional to order Senator Ledama to get out because of what he is wearing. Therefore, having read the two, as the Speaker, I rule that he is decently dressed and he should remain in this House,” he added.
The ruling paves the way for MPs to attend plenary sessions and committee sittings in their traditional attire.
“This Constitution recognizes culture as the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation,” Speaker Lusaka added.
Lusaka invoked his powers as stipulated in the Speakers Rule No.5 and Article 11 of the Constitution.
Some of the attire recognized as official dress for male members under the Speaker’s rules include suit, collar shirts, tie, long trousers, socks and shoes, service uniform, and religious attire. The Speaker is allowed to approve other decent dressing from time to time.
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(...But Speaker Lusaka ruled that members are allowed to wear traditional regalia in the chamber, noting that each of the 47 counties represented in the senate has its own culture and traditional attire that needs to be preserved.
“We all know that we represent counties and certain counties have their own cultural dresses. Given, for example, Narok and Kajiado their cultural dress has been recognized the world over as a Kenyan culture,” Lusaka said."
HONGERA SANA NDUGU LUSAKA kwa uamuzi wako wa hekima, maarifa, na busara wa kudhamini na kuheshimu asili yetu.
Ningependa kuona lugha ya Kiswahili ikitumika kwenye bunge. Kwa nini? Wananchi wengi wanajua na kuelewa Kiswahili vizuri sana kuliko Kiingereza.
There you go Mr speaker.Some of you may remember Koigi Wamwere getting the same disapproval from fellow members,when he wore his African regalia.
Are our leaders so ashamed of our culture?This is the type of behavior that gives credence to racists wazungu,that we are indeed"inferior"and ashamed of ourselves, from skin color to Intelect.
I always glow with pride when I see our west African brothers proudly wearing their traditional garbs.Not withstanding that some to mzungu look like his pajamas.Mzungus suit and tie will not make him respect you,but your great Intelect certainly will win his admiration, and envy.
What the big deal anyway.Some of our leaders look horrible I n mzungus outfit, especially those blessed with kitambi.At least Nigerian regalia hide it well.Now get back to work.
There you go Mr speaker.Some of you may remember Koigi Wamwere getting the same disapproval from fellow members,when he wore his African regalia.
Are our leaders so ashamed of our culture?This is the type of behavior that gives credence to racists wazungu,that we are indeed"inferior"and ashamed of ourselves, from skin color to Intelect.
I always glow with pride when I see our west African brothers proudly wearing their traditional garbs.Not withstanding that some to mzungu look like his pajamas.Mzungus suit and tie will not make him respect you,but your great Intelect certainly will win his admiration, and envy.
What the big deal anyway.Some of our leaders look horrible I n mzungus outfit, especially those blessed with kitambi.At least Nigerian regalia hide it well.Now get back to work.
What's the big deal?
Good for you Ole Kina. That said it is known Masai hawavai ile ya ndani kabisa. Hiyo pia ilikuja na Wangeleza. I hope you are keenly following the tradition.
@Mugikuyu,you put a smile on my face.Hiyo ya ndani,I think is optional.Its redundant.
They need uniform that looks like primary school uniform.