MP ejected from Parliament for wearing bling

I suppose something like this was going to happen sooner or later.

We ask our elected politician to be more reflective of their voters, but should there be a line between them and us – and where should we draw it?

That’s the question Kenyan voters are pondering today.

For MP Gidion Mbuvi, who was elected to parliament last year, turned up for sessions yesterday wearing sunglasses and ear studs adorned with precious stones.

The lawmaker caused an uproar when he entered the parliament building  and was unceremoniously excluded from the chamber after some MPs decided that the way he dressed offended the dignity of the assembly.

The Deputy Speaker called time on the MP saying that the house had never before been entered by a male lawmaker wearing earrings.

However, supporters of the youthful, 35-year-old  whose nickname, Sonko, is a Swahili term that means 'rich man' and 'flamboyant person' accused the Speaker of intolerance.

"The way of life of a Sonko is one who dresses well, by putting on stunners, studs, sports and well-lined suits, and that is what you are witnessing here today"; the supporting MP said.

Another, Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo said, “The way he was dressed was fashionable and members should be patient as Mbuvi was only exhibiting the way youth in Makadara which he represents dress”.

I remember Bernie Grant turning up to events looking princely in his flowing African robes - a welcomed change from the usual Westminster grey.

But times have changed and Afrocentric agbadas are no longer in vogue, and conspicuous bling is fast going out of style, even with rappers, so I wonder if any of our new MPs will break the grey Westminster mold with something new and exciting!!

Any bets?

Winsome-Grace Cornish