Editor's Review

The lawmaker did away with the president's portrait just days after announcing exit from UDA.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite has come to the defence of Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, who sparked a debate after he was recently spotted yanking President William Ruto's official portrait from his office wall.

Kagombe was filmed reaching out for the president's portrait before seeming to dispose it off.

The spectacle drew varied reactions, with a section of Kenyans arguing it was out of order and disrespectful to the presidency.

Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek faulted Kagombe for the display.

"My friend Kagombe this is so wrong, removing the president’s portrait is very wrong," he said.

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However, reacting to Kiborek's sentiments, Muite observed that the president's portraits exists at the mercy of those who would want to keep it, stressing that no one is under any obligation to have the mount the portrait in their respective environments.

Lawyer Paul Muite.

According to Muite, no law compels the display of the head of state's photograph in government or public premises.

The lawyer dismissed the practice as a relic of a bygone political culture rather than a legal requirement.

He further argued that the state had weaponised business permits to enforce the display of the presidential portrait.

"There is, in fact, no law requiring the hanging of the president's portrait in offices and public places. It is all part of imperial presidency hangovers. The illegal enforcement is via denial of licences absent a portrait in business premises," Muite said.

Kagombe confirmed his exit from the ruling UDA party on August 12.

The first-timer in the National Assembly explained that his decision was driven by the voices and concerns of Gatundu South residents.  

Kagombe stated that his constituents had made clear their discontent with the current administration.  

He reflected on his role as their representative, noting that he could not ignore their rejection of the government and questioning why he would risk losing his seat or fail to echo the will of the people.  

The lawmaker cited Ruto's apparent failure to fulfill his campaign promises to the people.