William Ruto on Thursday lightened the mood at State House with a playful jab at how some leaders were dressed during an official function, drawing laughter from attendees.
Speaking during the signing of the Agreement for the Modern Arena and Entertainment District in Nairobi, the President humorously questioned whether some guests had anticipated the formal nature of the occasion.
“I was looking at the people who came to this occasion, including the governor of Nairobi, and I was asking myself if they are here by design or if they were waylaid,” Ruto said, prompting laughter from the audience.
“The way they are dressed, they don’t look like they knew they were coming to State House,” he added.
The Head of State, maintaining a light and humorous tone, went a step further by suggesting stricter enforcement of dress expectations at official events.
“I think next time I would ask the people at the gate not to allow people dressing like that, especially when they’re coming for a serious function like this,” he said with a chuckle.
Among those present was Johnson Sakaja, who, like several other attendees, opted for a more relaxed outfit compared to the traditional formal attire typically associated with State House functions.
Sakaja wore a long-sleeved patterned shirt without a tie, paired with trousers—an outfit that leaned more towards smart casual than formal. Around him, several guests were similarly dressed in open-collar shirts and light fabrics, with noticeably fewer suits and ties than is usually expected at such high-level engagements.
The relaxed dress code stood out against the formal backdrop of State House, where official events are often marked by full business or ceremonial attire.
Despite the President’s remarks, the atmosphere remained upbeat, with attendees taking the comments in good humour.
The event itself marked a significant milestone in Nairobi’s development agenda, as leaders formalised plans to establish a modern arena and entertainment district. The project is expected to boost the city’s profile as a regional hub for sports, culture, and entertainment.
