A light-hearted remark by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has reignited debate over what lawmakers should wear inside Parliament, with many Kenyans comparing the country's parliamentary dress culture to legislatures around the world.
The discussion began after a group of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)-allied senators, led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu, attended a Senate sitting wearing matching green blazers associated with their political party.
While welcoming schoolchildren who had visited the Senate galleries, Cheruiyot jokingly referenced the lawmakers' attire.
"The House is more beautiful than what you see this afternoon. If you see things that look like grasshoppers in the House, you should forgive us. We usually look much better than this," Aaron Cheruiyot said.
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His comments quickly spread across social media, drawing both laughter and criticism.
Does Kenya Have a Parliamentary Dress Code?
Unlike many workplaces, Kenya's Parliament does not require members to wear identical uniforms.
However, both the National Assembly and the Senate maintain dress code guidelines requiring members to appear in dignified business attire that reflects the decorum of the House.
Male legislators are generally expected to wear suits, jackets, ties or other formal attire, while female members are expected to dress in formal business wear.
Traditional African attire is also permitted provided it remains official and respectful of parliamentary standards.
The rules are intended to preserve the dignity of Parliament rather than restrict political expression.
Social Media Reacts
Cheruiyot's remarks divided opinion online, with some users finding the joke amusing while others felt Parliament should focus on legislative business rather than political symbolism.
One user, @Pkemoi5n, wrote: "Worth it to be funny. But Wantam is inevitable."
Another, @MasasabiJr, commented: "So according to Cheruiyot, that's a big point."
Others criticised the exchange. "The guy is just petty and stupid," wrote @ogetocornelius0.
A fan account, @teamsifuna001, joked: "Hii Senate mtanionesha mambo. Mtu kuvaa suti ya green already anaitwa odede."
Meanwhile, @EmmanuelMotelin remarked: "Kenyan politicians have turned Parliament into a comedy show."
Another user, @Ccaleb_Official, added: "They should have been shown the route to Churchill Show!"
Politics Meets Symbolism
The coordinated appearance by the DCP senators came shortly after the party celebrated its victory in the Ol Kalou by-election, with the matching green blazers widely interpreted as a show of party unity inside the Senate chamber.
Although Cheruiyot's "grasshoppers" comment was delivered humorously, it has since sparked wider conversations about parliamentary decorum, political symbolism and whether party colours should feature so prominently during official legislative sessions.
