Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, has once again sparked a heated fashion debate after her outfit during the four-day state visit by the King and Queen of the Netherlands ignited mixed reactions online.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were in Kenya on a high-profile diplomatic tour hosted by President William Ruto and his wife.
While the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, it was Rachel Ruto’s outfit choice that ended up stealing the spotlight.
Keen-eyed social media users were quick to notice that her fashion sense bore an uncanny resemblance to the one she wore during President Ruto’s inauguration in 2022.
The First Lady appears to have an affinity for cream and off-white hues, as she once again embraced a similar palette for this grand occasion.
She stepped out in a sophisticated peplum top featuring an unexpected layered detail at the waist, paired with a ruffled-hem skirt that exuded a sense of graceful modesty.
However, it was not the dress that stirred the most conversation, it was her choice of footwear.
Her brown, low-heeled shoes became the centre of online scrutiny, with critics branding them as outdated and mismatched for such a prestigious event.
An online search showed the shoes as Bally Obrien Classic Heels-Ebano that trade at around Ksh 103,000.
Some fashion enthusiasts argued that the shoes lacked the elegance expected of a First Lady, particularly on a stage of international diplomacy.
One X user bluntly questioned, “What are those shoes, buana?”
Another echoed a similar sentiment, posting, “That’s a very classy pair of shoes, but definitely not meant for that attire. Shida ya kuajiri family instead of hiring a proper stylist.”
Others went further, criticising her stylist’s approach to official state dressing. “If there is one person who needs to be jobless in this country, it’s the First Lady’s stylist. From clothing to shoes, she needs someone who understands state fashion,” read one post.
Another user, @Mutichilolaw, weighed in with a biting remark: “This is what happens when jobs are given through cronyism and tribalism instead of merit… wacha akae hivyo.”
If there is one person who needs to be jobless in this country ni stylist wa first Lady, from clothing to shoes, she needs to get someone who understands official state dressing pic.twitter.com/7kSdORIdNt
— CATHY MUTUKU (@cathy_mutuku) March 18, 2025
NyajeriDavid sarcastically pointed out the contrast between the President’s sharp dressing and the First Lady’s styling choices, writing, “The husband’s stylist is so good, si aextend that gesture to his wife? Ama yeye hana budget? Because what in the dimwit is that shoe?”
Amidst the criticism, some Kenyans rushed to her defence.
Supporters argued that Rachel Ruto’s minimalist style reflected grace and sophistication rather than excessive flamboyance.
To them, her reserved elegance was a breath of fresh air in an era of over-the-top displays of wealth.
Meanwhile, on Monday, March 17, Queen Máxima made a dramatic entrance at State House, Nairobi, donning a striking all-red ensemble.
The Dutch Queen stunned in a cape dress with structured shoulders, a ruched neckline, and delicate feather details, effortlessly exuding royalty and high fashion.