Babu Owino suspended over unruly conduct in Parliament
Embakasi East’s Member of Parliament Babu Owino has been suspended over a verbal outburst during Thursday evening proceedings.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei said the MP should sit out four sessions over his unruly conduct.
Babu Owino incurred the Deputy Speaker’s displeasure by abruptly rising on a point of order and launching into a tirade directed at her, all while contesting the presented list for the Kenya young parliamentarians association leadership.
Shollei admonished the MP for his unruly behavior and demanded an apology.
“Babu Owino, your conduct is unbecoming. Shouting at me is unacceptable. You must withdraw your comments,” Shollei demanded.
However, Owino, unwavering in his stance, persisted in vocally engaging with the Speaker, simultaneously expressing his agitation through animated gestures.
Soy MP David Kiplagat sprung to Shollei’s defense and engaged in a heated exchange of words with Owino.
“Babu Owino, I will read for you Standing Orders 107 and 107a. If a member engages in disorderly conduct, disrupts the proceedings, or intentionally raises a false point of order, the Speaker retains the authority to caution or expel said member from the assembly for four days…so you do not come at the preccints of parliament for four days” Shollei read aloud when the situation went out of control.
Subsequently, the Sergeants at Arms were summoned to escort Owino from the parliamentary premises. As he was being escorted out, Babu Owino garnered support from fellow members of the Azimio coalition, who vehemently jeered at the Sergeants at Arms.
These events transpired hours after the Senate Powers and Privileges Committee passed a resolution to suspend Gloria Orwoba, a Nominated Senator, from her position within the legislative body until the upcoming February. This decision was prompted by allegations of grave misconduct.
The primary charge levied against Senator Orwoba revolves around her dissemination of unverified allegations involving soliciting sexual favors within the confines of the parliamentary precinct.