During a heated parliamentary session yesterday, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo called out MP Cliff Gesairo for what she termed as “inappropriate dressing” during official proceedings.
Odhiambo, known for her outspoken nature, did not hold back as she criticized Gesairo’s choice of attire, which she felt did not meet the standards expected within the House.
“We know you are from Dubai and you really have nice looks,” Odhiambo remarked sarcastically, “but should you wear that to Parliament, or are you planning to welcome Matiang’i to the country?”
Her remarks stirred murmurs within the chamber, with some MPs appearing amused while others seemed taken aback by the bluntness of her statement.
Odhiambo further alleged that Gesairo’s appearance was a reflection of his open support for former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, but she insisted that fashion statements were not the way to demonstrate political loyalty.
“We know you are a full supporter of Matiang’i,” she said, “but that is not the way to support him.”
She then called on the Speaker of the House to take action against Gesairo, requesting that appropriate steps be taken to enforce parliamentary dress code rules.
However, the Speaker, who admitted that he had not had a clear view of Gesairo’s attire, deferred the matter to the Sergeant-at-Arms, stating that they would review the situation and respond accordingly.
The incident has since sparked debate on social media, with some defending Odhiambo’s stance on professionalism, while others viewed the exchange as unnecessarily personal.
Whether disciplinary measures will follow remains to be seen, but the clash highlighted ongoing concerns over decorum and dress standards within Kenya’s Parliament.
By Nairobi