Wetang’ula defends DCP MPs’ decision to wear party colours in parliament
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 28, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has defended Members of Parliament allied to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) for wearing party colours during the swearing-in of Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Wetang’ula ruled that the lawmakers would be allowed to wear the party’s signature green attire because the occasion was special, following a point of order raised by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie (KJ).
Kiarie had questioned whether it was in line with the Standing Orders for DCP legislators to appear in the House dressed in coordinated party colours.
Responding to the concerns, Wetang’ula said the House would permit the attire on this occasion, pointing out that there was already a precedent. He noted that Kiarie himself had previously entered the chamber wearing UDA party colours after then-Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku won a by-election, making it inconsistent for him to object now.
“But for today, because we have a precedent, when Honourable Kawanjiku of Kiambaa won his election, even Honourable KJ came to this chamber wearing UDA party colours, and it was allowed because it was a special occasion for the House.”
Wetang’ula defends DCP
The Speaker, however, cautioned that the exemption only applied to the swearing-in ceremony and should not be interpreted as permission to wear party uniforms during ordinary parliamentary sittings.
“From today onwards, unless it’s such a special occasion, we do not entertain party uniforms in the House… the moment you turn them into party symbols and party agitation in the House, you will be ruled out of order,” the speaker made it clear.
Earlier, Kiarie argued that while a single MP wearing a particular colour could be dismissed as a personal wardrobe choice, a coordinated group of 13 legislators dressed in identical party colours amounted to displaying party insignia in the House, contrary to the Standing Orders.
KJ congratulates Ngotho
Despite raising the objection, Kiarie congratulated Ngotho on his election victory and welcomed him to Parliament
“The young gentleman who has joined the House won convincingly in his constituency, and we would like to welcome him to Bunge and let him know that there are Standing Orders that guide how Members ought to present themselves in the House,” Kj said.
The exchange came as DCP legislators arrived at Parliament wearing matching green blazers and other party colours to celebrate the swearing-in of Ngotho, the party’s first Member of Parliament following its landslide victory in the Ol Kalou by-election.