President William Ruto appears to have changed his clothing style for events. He has moved away from his usual outfit consisting of suits, ties, blazers, shirts, and trousers.
His new regalia, Kaunda suits have elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans who are keenly observing the president’s dressing code
Unknown to many, Kaunda suits, named after former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, is a stylish wear donned mostly by African leaders and politicians.
These suits were fashionable in the 90s as a signature symbol for independence & pride.
The resurgence of Kaunda suits, in close correlation with William Ruto’s fashion choices, has led to a significant spike in demand for these garments among Nairobi’s local tailors.
Reportedly, Nairobi tailoring shops are now charging three times the usual price for these suits due to their popularity.
The suits prices vary depending on several factors such as the tailor’s reputation and the fabric used. Kaunda suits cost at least Sh. 2,000 and can go to as much as Sh. 20,000, for a cheaper bargain.
As always, Kenyans never lacked personalised opinions on the garment. The suit caught citizen’s eyes and sparked curiosity.
In an interview with TV47, Ruto’s official tailor Ashok Sunny disclosed that his preference for the Kaunda suits was due to his urge to promote local manufacturing, contrary to posing as a dictator as some alluded.
“They call it the dictator look because most old dictators used to like Kaunda suits. But that is to show Kenyans can make garments good enough for Kenyan leaders to wear,” Ruto stated.
Ruto’s first appearance in the popular suit was during his state visit to Djibouti on June 11th. To date, Ruto has mostly worn the regalia proving doubters that it was not a one-time fashion statement.
Kaunda suits are said to have originated from Australia in the 1970s. The late Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda introduced them to Africa.
The suits have a single-breasted design, three buttons, narrow lapels, short sleeves and patch pockets on the front, and matching pants.
Ruto’s tailor Ashok Sunny, specializes in Bespoke suits. He is known for his attention to detail and use of high-quality fabrics.
Sunny has dressed many high-profile clients including President Ruto, former DCI boss George Kinoti and Chandaria Group CEO Darshan. In an interview in 2021, he revealed his bespoke suits can go for as high as Sh. 1 million.
“Most Kenyan men wear polyester suits. The best quality you can get in the market locally is poly-wool, which is 30% wool,” he stated.
He sources his materials from Italy, London, France and Belgium and owns his own enterprise, which he started with Sh. 20,000 capital he received from his mother.
Notable leaders who have followed in Ruto’s steps with the Kaunda suits include Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Lang’ata MP Jalang’o.