The famous Kaunda suit—named for the late president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda—is no longer allowed on Kenyan government property.
Traditional African clothing and kaunda suits, according to Speaker of the Parliament Moses Wetangula, are no longer acceptable.
Notably, the Kaunda suit is famous among the political elite in Kenya and certain other parts of Africa since Kenyan President William Ruto regularly wears it to formal engagements.
The Zambian president, who was instrumental in popularising the safari jacket and matching pants, is the inspiration behind the name of the Kaunda suit.
The restriction, according to Speaker Wetangula, was the result of new fashion trends that challenged the parliamentary dress code.
He underlined that men should wear a service uniform, coat, collar, tie, long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes. The requirements state that skirts and dresses that fall below the knee and sleeveless blouses are not permitted for women’s business, formal, or smart casual attire.
Wetangula underlined the necessity of stopping this practise in order to maintain the parliamentary dress code, while acknowledging that the Kaunda suit was previously tolerated in parliament. President Ruto’s regular appearances in the Kaunda suit during official engagements have garnered attention on Kenyan social media in recent times.
Social media users’ responses to the restriction have been divided; some have questioned the legitimacy of forbidding African clothing in an African parliament, while others have voiced support.
