Sankok: Why Akothee came to Parliament

Nominated MP representing persons with disabilities David Sankok says musician Akothee, whose real name is Esther Akoth, was in Parliament on Wednesday to “request MPs to support her in her bid to put up the Akothee Foundation”.

Sankok told K24 Digital that Akothee said the foundation “will help provide foodstuff to hunger-hit Turkana County constituents”, among other humanitarian aid programmes.

The nominated lawmaker said Akothee came to Parliament at his invitation.

The controversial musician caused a stir in Parliament Buildings in Nairobi when she went to the National Assembly premises dressed in a mini-skirt.

“I found nothing wrong with Akothee’s skirt. Actually, she was well-dressed. The reason why I think the skirt appeared short, was because she has long legs,” said David Sankok.

It is against parliamentary rules for MPs or guests to wear — within the National Assembly premises — what is considered as indecent attire.

In August 2018, the National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Moses Cheboi, revealed what constitutes “appropriate dressing” to the House after Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege’s sparkling short-sleeved white V-neck top caused a stir in the House.

“Members of the press and the National Assembly must be properly dressed; male MPs must wear collared long-sleeved shirts; a tie, a pair of socks and shoes. Women, on the other hand, should wear clothes that are decent, formal, and are of business-wear nature,” said Cheboi on August 22, 2018, ruling that Sabina wasn’t inappropriately dressed to the National Assembly precincts.

On Wednesday, September 18, the dress code debate was reignited in Parliament, when singer Akothee went to the House dressed in a short green skirt that she’d matched with a body-hugging blazer.

The Sergeant at Arms were forced to stop Akothee from accessing Sankok’s office in her mini-skirt.

The artiste, however, resisted the Parliament officers’ attempt of blocking her, leading to a shouting match and high drama.

The Sergeant at Arms, however, stood their ground and gave the musician a leso to tie around her waist, but she threw it down in anger.

Sensing that she wasn’t going to win the battle, Akothee agreed to cover herself using the leso, and was later spotted having lunch with MPs at the Parliament cafeteria.

“The problem is not the length of my skirt, it is my legs that are long,” joked Akothee.