By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Parliament in Kenya has placed a ban on the iconic Kaunda suit, named after the late President of Zambia, President Kenneth Kaunda, a brand frequently adorned by the country’s leader, during official events.
President William Ruto contributes to the popularity of the brand among the political elite in Kenya and some parts of Africa.
Both Kaunda suits and traditional African attire were no longer permissible within the premises of the parliament, the Speaker Moses Wetangula says.
He attributed the ban to what he called emerging fashion trends that posed a challenge to the established parliamentary dress code.
The Kaunda suit, characterized by a safari jacket and matching trousers, draws its name from the Zambian president, who played a pivotal role in making it a fashion.
The Speaker prescribed dress code for men, including a coat, collar, tie, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, socks, shoes, or service uniform.
For women, the guidelines specify business, formal, or smart casual wear with skirts and dresses below knee-length while sleeveless blouses are prohibited.
Acknowledging the past tolerance of the Kaunda suit in parliament, Wetangula emphasized the need to halt this practice to preserve 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 express support.
