Ruto Goes Viral With Stunning Maasai Attire [PHOTOS]

If there's one thing that President William Ruto has got right since he assumed office on September 13, 2022, it is his fashion sense and he did not disappoint on that matter, again.

On Tuesday, August 22, the Head of State was in Narok County for the official opening of the Maa Cultural Week in Sekenani donning striking Maasai regalia from head to toe.

Giving a nod to multiculturalism, Ruto abandoned his famous Kaunda suits which took centre stage at State House for weeks, for the traditional attire which included a velvet-red Maasai shuka accessorised with Maasai jewellery, sunglasses, ornaments and a rungu - a wooden throwing baton especially associated with Maasai morans.

President William Ruto dons Maasai regalia during his visit to Narok County on August 22, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

"Our traditions are an integral part of our story. Celebrating our rich culture brings Kenyans from diverse backgrounds together. The authenticity of this culture is the foundation of cultural tourism.

"During the official opening of The Maa Cultural Festival at the Sekenani Gate, Maasai Mara, Narok County," Ruto stated on his social media pages, captioning the photos which have exploded all over social media for hours.

Moreover, Ruto embarked on a game drive at the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve alongside Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, Jonathan Leleit of Samburu, and his counterpart Ole Lenku of Kajiado who received him upon arrival at Narok County.

Maasai Fashion

The Masai community of Kenya wears a traditional, attractive, admirable dress code which varies depending on age, gender, place, significance and occasion. The 'Shukas’ are wrapped around their bodies and a lot of colourful beaded jewellery is placed around their necks and arms, accompanied by sandals that are soled with tire strips or plastic.

They obtain beads from local raw materials; White beads are sourced from clay, shells, ivory or bone while black and blue beads were from iron, charcoal, seeds, clay or horn. Reds are drawn from seeds, woods, gourds, borne, ivory, copper or brass.

President William Ruto with Governors Patrick Ole Ntutu and Joseph Ole Lenku while attending the Maa Cultural Week in Sekenani, Narok County on August 22, 2023. /PCS

Maa Cultural Week & Wildebeest Migration

Coincidentally, the Maa Cultural Week coincides with the annual wildebeest migration known to pull thousands of tourists from across the country and around the world, who converge to watch more than 1.5 million wildebeests migrate in an enormous loop every year.

The annual migration northwest and between Kenya and Tanzania, at the end of the rainy season (usually in May or June), is recognized as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Natural World."

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for NAKAEB Jackson Ole Mbario, who is the lead in the preparation of the event, apart from the Maasai cultural activities and fashion being showcased during the weeklong fest, it will also provide an opportunity for conservationists around the world to meet and discuss the conservation matters alongside bringing a cultural component to tourists.

The event kicked off with the Maa Music Day as all sections of the Maasai community will display their songs and dance on the first day followed by the Maa Fashion Day on the second day where the community will showcase its dress code for all genders, traditional and sacred ornaments, bracelets, necklaces and head gears.

“On the third day, we will display our sports that include jumping, throwing sticks, spear throwing, and wrestling to express how our young men pass their leisure time,” he added.

The attachment of the Maasai to its cows will also be showcased on the fourth day dubbed ‘Maa and his cattle day’ where there will be the cow auction.

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