Historical 'Kaunda suits' banned by Kenyan parliament in new dress code
It is considered an attire of class in most East African countries, a male suit usually sewn with a collar and designed pockets with statement buttons and a matching pair of trousers.
The Kaunda suit was named after former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda who led the African country after it gained independence in 1964.
In other countries, it is called the Mao Zedong coat, named after the founder of the People's Republic of China. It was a signature attire by the two political leaders and others of their time who were always seen in one.
Kaunda was the last founding father of Africa to have survived until he died in 2021. Many East African presidents have worn this outfit as a symbol to show solidarity.
It has also become the signature suit of Kenyan President William Ruto who was almost always seen donning it for various official occasions. It has also become very popular among members of parliament in Kenya.
The suit may lose its presence in the legislation chamber in Kenya as the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, has prohibited its wearing within the parliamentary premises, according to local news network BBN.
Wetangula announced this decision on November 28, 2023, after what he says is the gradual disappearance of the prescribed parliamentary attire over time.
Citing Rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules which outlines the dress code for MPs to maintain a certain level of formal attire within the parliamentary setting, Wetangula noted that fashion trends appear to be replacing the traditional dress code of parliament. This led to the ban of the Kaunda suit as well as other attires contrary to the defined one, the report added.
BBN indicated that the prescribed dress code for men includes a coat, collar, tie, long-sleeve shirt, long trousers, pair of socks, shoes, or service uniform. For women, the rules stipulate business, formal, or smart casual wear.
