In a move that has stirred both curiosity and controversy, Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has taken a decisive step to ban Members of Parliament from wearing Kaunda suits within the hallowed halls of the Kenyan Parliament. The announcement, made in a statement on Tuesday, cited Rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules, which delineates the official dress code for Members of Parliament (MPs).
Wetang’ula emphasized that the decision was prompted by the need to address emerging fashion trends that he deemed as threats to the established parliamentary dress code.
“Going forward, therefore, any attire outside of what is prescribed in Rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules is prohibited. This includes Kaunda suits, whether long or short-sleeved,” he declared.
The Speaker further outlined the repercussions for those who defy the new directive. Lawmakers caught wearing Kaunda suits would henceforth be denied access to certain sections of the parliamentary premises, including the chamber, lounge, dining room, or commute rooms, unless they adhere to the approved dress code.
While Wetang’ula acknowledged that his predecessors had not raised objections to the popular Kaunda suits, he justified the ban by stating, “Arising from emerging fashion trends that now threaten the established parliamentary dress codes, it has become necessary for me to depart from what has been obtained regarding the admittance of Kaunda suits as appropriate dress.”
This move comes at a time when the Kaunda suit has gained popularity among Kenyan politicians, with some speculating that it could be an emulation of President William Ruto’s recent penchant for the attire. Over the past few months, the Head of State, also the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leader, has frequently sported Kaunda suits at both local and international events.
Notable figures in Kenyan politics, including Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, former Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch, and first-term Mogotio lawmaker Reuben Kiborek, have embraced the Kaunda suit style. Even Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a close ally of President Ruto, was seen wearing a Kaunda suit during a political event in Central Kenya.
The Kaunda suit, originally named after former Zambia President Kenneth Kaunda, has become a symbol of political fashion in Kenya, sparking conversations about signature looks among the country’s leaders. While some, like former President Uhuru Kenyatta, are known for their affinity for locally made African print shirts, others, such as former President Kibaki, rarely deviate from the traditional business suit.
The ban on Kaunda suits raises questions about the intersection of fashion, politics, and parliamentary tradition. As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve, the Speaker’s decision will likely fuel discussions about the role of attire in conveying seriousness during parliamentary proceedings and whether dress codes should adapt to changing fashion trends.
