Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Gabriel Kagombe, found himself expelled from the National Assembly on Thursday due to his choice of headgear, which was perceived as unrecognized within the context of religion.
The Speaker of the House, Moses Wetangula, inquired about Kagombe’s turban, seeking an explanation for its presence on the floor of the Assembly.
The MP responded by asserting that he had recently embraced a new religion, one that mandated the wearing of a turban during select official functions. Kagombe emphasized that he was exercising his constitutional right to practice his chosen faith.
According to him, his newfound religion had provided him with a different understanding of Jesus, and as per its tenets, he was obliged to dress accordingly during official events. Furthermore, Kagombe revealed his affiliation with a recently registered church named the Church of Love and Acceptance.
In an attempt to gather more information, the Speaker questioned Kagombe about the specific sect to which he belonged. The MP firmly stated that it was not a sect but an independent religion.
However, Wetangula remained skeptical and, dismissing Kagombe’s explanation, ruled him out of order. Citing his own familiarity with religious groups, the Speaker noted that the only sect he knew of that dressed similarly to Kagombe was the Akorino. Consequently, he instructed the MP to leave the House, change his attire, and return dressed appropriately.
While the Constitution of Kenya upholds the freedom of religion and the right to practice any chosen faith, this incident raises a pertinent question regarding the recognition of religious headgear within the Parliament. Parliament’s dress code stipulates that the Speaker holds the authority to determine appropriate attire for the House.
