Ol Kalou MP Ngotho's green moment: A matatu ride, party colours and House storm

Newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho was the man of the moment in Parliament on Tuesday, stealing the show as he came to take the oath of office amid a rare show of political solidarity from members of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

But while Ngotho’s arrival in Nairobi in a matatu had stirred debate online, it was the sea of green blazers that welcomed him at Parliament Buildings that turned the day into a spectacle.

From the parking lot to the corridors leading into the National Assembly, members of DCP arrived dressed in matching party colours, turning the swearing-in of Ngotho into a carefully planned display of unity.

At hand to welcome him were MPs Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), Amos Mwago (Starehe), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), and Jayne Kihara (Naivasha). They were joined by Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Karungo wa Thang'wa (Kiambu), Joe Nyutu (Murang'a), and John Kinyua (Laikipia).

The green blazers immediately drew attention. The coordinated outfits became the day's biggest talking point even before the House convened, with photographers and television cameras following every movement as the leaders greeted one another with smiles, handshakes, and embraces.

Outside Parliament, the lawmakers assembled for a group photograph, exchanging jokes as they lined up shoulder to shoulder. Once the cameras had captured the moment, the atmosphere quickly shifted. The gathering felt less like a routine parliamentary ceremony and more like the closing rally of a successful campaign.

Yet the man everyone had come to celebrate arrived in a manner that contrasted sharply with the colourful spectacle awaiting him. Rather than travelling in a convoy of fuel-inefficient SUVs, Ngotho boarded a public matatu from Ol Kalou to Nairobi.

Videos of the journey quickly made the rounds on social media, with many Kenyans praising the gesture as a sign that the newly elected lawmaker had not forgotten the ordinary people who entrusted him with their votes.

Beyond the official ceremony, however, it was the symbolism that lingered. The sea of green blazers represented more than coordinated fashion; it reflected a party eager to project discipline, confidence, and solidarity as it seeks to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The decision by MPs allied to DCP to don green coats and attire during the swearing-in of Kamau caused uproar in the House prompting Speaker Moses Wetangula’s intervention.

The Speaker was forced to issue a stern warning that legislators will not be allowed to turn Parliament into a platform for partisan exhibitions. Shortly after, a dispute erupted, pitting members from across the political divide.

The issue came up after 13 lawmakers allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua showed up in party colours – a move that triggered protests from lawmakers who claimed that they had breached the House standing orders.

Earlier, MPs Muhia and Mwafrika had accompanied Kamau to take oath of office.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie brought the issue to the Speaker’s attention, claiming that the coordinated attire amounted to an open display of party symbolism within Parliament.

Kiarie claimed that the coordinated appearance of the legislators suggested an organised political statement that contravened parliamentary rules.

"If only one member showed up in a certain colour in the House, then we would have taken it to be the member's wardrobe. However, we are seeing a gang of 13 Members of Parliament donning party insignia on the floor of the House,” he said.

And while welcoming the newly elected Ol Kalou MP, Kiarie urged the new lawmaker to familiarise himself with the House rules governing members' conduct.

"I would like to welcome the young gentleman who has joined the House. We would like him to know that there are Standing Orders that guide how members ought to present themselves in the House," Kiarie stated.

He however, did not stop there and used the opportunity to chide the 13 lawmakers claiming that their numbers in Parliament were politically insignificant compared to the rest.

"Thirteen Members of Parliament are a sure minority in this House. They are up against hundreds of Members of Parliament and are totally out of order," he said.

But even as the targeted lawmakers sought a right of reply, Speaker Wetangula intervened. He acknowledged the concern raised but declined to take any disciplinary action.

 "I am not aware whether the colours that the few members are wearing constitute prohibited party insignia. If the Speaker is subsequently convinced that what you are wearing is party insignia or party colours, then we will tell you that you are out of order."

He, however, went on to note that the House would strictly enforce the rules going forward, except in exceptional circumstances.

“I recall that when Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku was sworn into the House after winning the parliamentary by-election, members allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) , including John Kiarie, wore special attire to mark the occasion, a move that had been permitted because it was a unique parliamentary event,” said the Speaker.

"But from today onwards, unless it is such a special occasion, we do not entertain party uniforms in the House, and you know that is part of our Standing Orders," he further directed.

Wetangula also moved to clarify that identical clothing by members did not necessarily constitute a breach of the Standing Orders unless they were intentionally used to advance political messaging. 

"It is possible that members can all come wearing black suits or all come wearing yellow suits, but the moment you turn them into party symbols and party agitation in the House, you will be ruled out of order," he said.

The import of the Speaker's ruling was that the House should remain politically neutral in appearance.