Wetang’ula Warns MPs Against Party Colours and Matching Outfits in Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned MPs against wearing coordinated outfits that could be seen as representing political parties, saying such displays could compromise the neutrality of the House. 

The warning came on Tuesday, 28 July, as Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) legislators wore matching green suits during the swearing-in of newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru. Wetang’ula said MPs were free to wear any colour of their choice but cautioned against using clothing to promote party identity inside Parliament. 

He said that if it was established that an outfit represented party colours, the members wearing it would be considered out of order. The Speaker said coordinated uniforms would not be allowed in the chamber except during special occasions. 

His remarks followed increased use of colour-coded clothing by political groups seeking to demonstrate unity and visibility during parliamentary events. Wetang’ula has previously addressed disputes over MPs’ choice of clothing. 

In June 2025, he clarified that no specific colour was banned after legislators disagreed over a yellow outfit linked to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). His latest statement indicates that while individual dress choices remain permitted, organised displays that appear to promote party branding may face action.

The warning was issued as Waweru was sworn in after winning the Ol Kalou by-election. Taking the oath before Wetang’ula, Waweru pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve the people of his constituency. 

The ceremony briefly turned celebratory when DCP MPs cheered his entry into Parliament, prompting the Speaker to remind them that the swearing-in was a formal parliamentary occasion.

“You can celebrate thereafter, and the celebration will be in the garden out there, not on the floor of the House,” Wetang’ula told the legislators.

Waweru’s election gives the DCP its first seat in the National Assembly and increases the party’s presence in Nyandarua County. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said he won the Ol Kalou contest with more than 35,000 votes, defeating his closest challenger, UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received slightly more than 5,400 votes.

Nine candidates contested the by-election, which attracted strong campaigns from both government and opposition figures. UDA leaders highlighted government development projects, while opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, focused on economic concerns and calls for political change.

Waweru’s victory strengthens the DCP’s position in Nyandarua County, a region expected to play an important role ahead of the 2027 General Election. On the day of his swearing-in, he travelled to Parliament by public service matatu and shared the journey on social media, presenting the move as a connection with ordinary voters.

The new MP thanked his supporters and described his victory as both a personal achievement and a success for the people of Ol Kalou.