President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands for a state banquet at State House, Nairobi. The event, held on the evening of March 18, was part of the royal couple’s four-day visit to Kenya.
While the banquet was a formal diplomatic event, Rachel Ruto’s outfit became a topic of discussion among Kenyans. Many took to social media to comment on her choice of attire, which stood out during the high-profile occasion.
The First Lady wore a long black dress with fringed embroidered detailing and long sleeves, a style commonly worn by women in the UAE.
Photos and videos of the event quickly surfaced online, drawing mixed reactions. Some praised her for the sophisticated look, while others debated whether the outfit was appropriate for the occasion.
Many were of the opinion that the dress worn by the First Lady was not appropriate for a state banquet but rather for a more sombre event.
“The Kenyan First Lady’s outfit leans more towards a sombre Sunday service than the elegance and glamour expected at a state banquet,” one Kenyan opined on X. “Dress is a (diplomatic) statement,” another emphasised.
At a state banquet, the First Lady’s attire usually reflects elegance, formality, and cultural respect. Rachel chose a long black dress paired with a white pearl necklace and elegant black heels with a touch of silver. She then completed the look with a small black clutch bag.
A floor-length evening gown paired with understated yet classy jewellery, such as pearls or diamond earrings, is a common choice for such an occasion. The style should be sophisticated and appropriate while enhancing the look without being overly flashy.
While a touch of neutral or bold colours and cultural elements, such as traditional fabrics or accessories, is encouraged, it may surprise some that a dark colour like black, as chosen by Rachel, is also acceptable. A black dress is a classic and elegant choice for a state banquet, exuding sophistication and formality. President Ruto complemented her look with a black tuxedo and a bow tie.
Queen Máxima, on her part, wore a two-piece outfit by Claes Iversen and accessorised with a sapphire tiara.
Rachel has always been fashion-savvy, delivering elegance at state events. During the welcoming ceremony for the King and Queen, she wore an ankara dress paired with brown Bally Obrien Classic heels.
Kenya and the Netherlands seek to deepen their partnership across key sectors to foster sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
