President William Ruto sparked an online debate after he donned a beige shirt with marijuana-like symbols all over it.
The President wore the shirt during his visit to the coastal region on Thursday, July 27 where he launched several development projects.
Ruto was captured greeting the Governor Issah Timamy alongside other government officials while wearing the attention-grabbing shirt as he launched the Lamu County Commissioner’s Office in Mokowe.
Nonetheless, the president went on with his duties at the coast including, commissioning the rehabilitation of the Tana Delta Irrigation Project, opening offices, and issuing cheques to the local fishing community at Mokowe unaware of the attention his shirt would attract.
When photos of the president were shared in his various social media platforms, Kenyans noticed the universally accepted ‘ganja’ symbol and couldn’t hold their comments.
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Most comments were geared towards having the president legalize Marijuana in the country.
Twitter user Alpha said, “Legalize the Plant in Your Shirt.”
Robi Chacha said, “The prints on the shirt could be hinting at something? No? Okay!”
Other Twitter users insinuated that his fashion was inspired by Roots Part leader George Wajackoya, who advocated for the legalization of the herb.
Wajackoya, was a presidential candidate in the 2022 General Election and emerged third behind President Ruto, and Raila Odinga’s of Azimio.
Users Sebastin Kilonzo said “He’s sending a message. He is embracing Wajackoyah Roots Party kisirisiri.”
Paddy Onyango stated, “The Wajackoya effect.”
Some like Tyson N. Omanwa just laughed themselves out, “Hahaha what shirt”.
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Furthermore, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko was sarcastic about President Ruto’s shirt saying someone had let him down.
“Somebody is sleeping in his job someone will be fired. Who picked this for our beloved God-fearing President. The shirt has marijuana flowers all over?” Sonko tweeted.
Historian and writer John Kamau noted: “Forget about all the other things. But, has somebody told President Ruto about his shirt and what people who frequented Mad House, Koinange Street, are saying? This may appear petty, but a President must not step into public with such a shirt. Whoever bought it should be taken out of State House.”
President Ruto’s Change of Fashion
However, this is not the first time the Head of State has sparked online conversation because of his fashion.
President William Ruto who previously only wore the traditional suit and tie to official functions has had a complete change of closet.
He switched from the normal coat, shirts, and tie to Kaunda suits.
As such, the Head of State has over the past few months appeared in public events with Kaunda suits that were popular in the 1990s.
