NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto lightened the mood at State House on Friday with a humorous jab at the dress code of some leaders attending an official function, drawing laughter from guests during a high-level signing ceremony.
Speaking at the signing of the Agreement for the Modern Arena and Entertainment District in Nairobi, the President playfully questioned whether some attendees had anticipated the formality 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 way late,” 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.
Among those present was Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who, like several other attendees, opted for a more relaxed outfit compared to the traditional formal attire typically associated with State House events.
Sakaja wore a patterned long-sleeved shirt without a tie, paired with trousers—an ensemble leaning towards smart casual rather than formal business wear.
Around him, several guests were similarly dressed in open-collar shirts and lighter fabrics, with noticeably fewer suits and ties than is customary for such high-level engagements.
In a lighthearted tone, the President suggested stricter adherence to dress expectations at future 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, chuckling.
Despite the remarks, the atmosphere remained upbeat, with attendees responding with amusement as the President’s comments injected a moment of levity into an otherwise formal occasion.
The event itself marked a key milestone in plans to develop a modern arena and entertainment district in Nairobi, a project aimed at positioning the city as a regional hub for sports, culture, and entertainment.
At the same time, the President’s remarks subtly reinforced the importance traditionally placed on decorum at State House, where official functions have historically adhered to formal dress codes.
