In a surprising move, the Speaker of Parliament, Moses Wetangula, declared that Kaunda suits, along with traditional African attire, were no longer welcome within the hallowed chambers of Kenya's parliamentary building. This prohibition extends even to Kenyan President William Ruto, known for frequently donning the distinctive safari jacket and matching trousers on official occasions.
The Kaunda suit, named after the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, has gained popularity among the political elite in Kenya, becoming a symbol of political influence. Characterized by its short-sleeved design and often worn without a tie, the suit carries a legacy inspired by President Kaunda's fashion choices.
The decision to ban the Kaunda suit was announced on Tuesday by Speaker Wetangula, citing emerging fashion trends that purportedly posed a threat to the established parliamentary dress code. According to the new guidelines, a proper dress code for men now mandates a coat, collar, tie, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, socks, shoes, or service uniform. For women, business, formal, or smart casual wear is specified, with skirts and dresses required to be below knee-length and sleeveless blouses prohibited.
While the Kaunda suit had been tolerated in the past, Speaker Wetangula emphasized the need to halt this practice, signaling a stricter adherence to the parliamentary dress code. The ban has stirred mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning the prohibition of an African attire in an African parliament, while others voiced support for the decision.
The controversy surrounding the ban has even led to online mockery, with some suggesting that the Kaunda suit is now exclusively reserved for the president. As social media discussions continue, the prohibition of the iconic suit raises broader questions about the intersection of tradition, fashion, and political identity within the evolving landscape of Kenya's parliament.
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