Kenyan politicians are increasingly turning out in Kaunda suits at public events, in a move analysts say could be an imitation of President William Ruto’s latest dress code.
In the past few months, the Head of State, who is also the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leader, has donned the Kaunda suits, a suit named after former Zambia President Kenneth Kaunda, now deceased, while attending local and international events.
The clothing entails a top-bottom similar style and colour suit. No shirt nor tie is required.
Among the politicians who have taken up the dress code include first-term Mogotio lawmaker Reuben Kiborek.
He recently turned up in a dark blue Kaunda suit and black leathered shoes while attending parliamentary duties.
Some netizens reacted to his latest wardrobe in contrasting fashion, with some criticizing the youthful lawmaker while others praised him.
“Perfect!..lakini si wachieni hustler luku yake..kindly leave the uniqueness to him..mtaharibu hon.kiborek.,” wrote Alex Sumukwo, a Facebook user.
And in what could perhaps be turning out to be a show of loyalty, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, another close ally of the President, also wore a Kaunda suit when he accompanied the Head of State at a political event in Central Kenya.
The Kaunda suit originated in Australia in the 1970s, when a lawmaker felt it would be appropriate to wear it to a federal parliament in the north of the country.
It was known as a safari suit because of its lightweight design and short sleeves thus making it ideal for hot journeys.
It gained popularity in the African continent and was named after former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, who made it a trademark.
Some of the African Heads of State remembered for donning the suit include former Tanzania President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
Others are Democratic Republic of Congo president Felix Tshisekedi and Burundi’s Evaraste Ndayisdhimiye.
It was Kenneth David Kaunda and Mwalimu Nyelele safari suits.
Heterosexuals are very unstylish. Yucky
Look how horrible those outfits look. We gays know how to dress
The History is wrong. The safari suit was separate from the Kaunda suit. The Kaunda suit was styled along the lines of Chairman Mao’s suit although Kaunda’s jacket didnt button up to the neck leaving room for a scarf. Mao had styled his suits after the Stalin tunic then prevalent among Soviet officials. At the time most communists did not want to identify with the dress of the oppressor namely tie and jacket. African leaders also didnt want to be seen as a replacement of the departed imperialist colonisers. Mobutu even banned ties and European names
How is this even news? We have serious issues to talk about.
It’s news. Very much news!
Thank you Lumpenela for an educative post. Some people don’t know that with dress you make a statement. One can see by the way you are dressed that you are a Follow Fashion Monkey, a liberated soul, one with an inferiority complex. a proud African, etc. That’s why KK, Nyerere, even Mandela did away with neckties and jackets. Ruth is making a statement
*Ruto is making a statement
Yeah even Lungu wore the KK suit.
We have mukula theft,dirty slums all over Lusaka, disorderly street vendors and more pressing problems yet this is news ?
You aren’t a journalist so don’t make your layman’s assessment gospel truth. Why do we have Fashion magazines? Style mags and yellow journalism?