Kenyan parliament bans Kaunda suits
In a surprising move, the Kenyan parliament has officially outlawed the wear of the distinctive Kaunda suits inside its chambers, citing concerns about new fashion trends jeopardizing the parliamentary dress code.
The Kaunda suit, named after the late President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, has gained popularity among the Kenyan political elite, including President William Ruto, known for frequently donning the safari jacket and matching pants ensemble at formal events.
Speaker of the Parliament, Moses Wetangula, declared that traditional African clothing and Kaunda suits were no longer welcome within the legislative halls.
According to Mr. Wetangula, the decision was prompted by the need to uphold a more formal dress code, asserting that men should adhere to a specific set of attire, including a coat, collar, tie, long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes or service uniform.
“For ladies, business, formal, or smart casual wear applies. Skirts and dresses should be below knee-length and decent. Sleeveless blouses are prohibited,” he added during the announcement on Tuesday.
The Kaunda suit, also known as the Mao Zedong suit, is characterized by its short-sleeved and collarless design, and it has been embraced by sub-Saharan African political elites, particularly in honor of the late Zambian president who popularized the style.
While the ban has ignited controversy on social media, with some questioning why an African parliament would outlaw a symbol of African attire, others have defended the decision.
The Kaunda suit, since its adoption by President Ruto, has become a trend on Kenyan social media, further fueling the debate surrounding its prohibition.
Notably, some social media users have humorously suggested that the Kaunda suits will now be exclusively reserved for the president, highlighting the diverse opinions circulating on this unexpected sartorial development.