An image of Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti wearing a military-style uniform has sparked debate over whether civilians should be allowed to wear clothing resembling that of the disciplined forces.
Posted by Governor Ndeti on Tuesday November 4, the image showed her dressed in a blue uniform comprising a well-fitted jacket adorned with gold epaulettes - a typical feature of rank insignia in ceremonial military uniforms.
The double-breasted jacket featured gold braiding, and her straight-cut blue trousers added a decorative and authoritative flair. The uniform was completed with a blue, glossy peaked cap bearing a badge on the front. This type of headgear is standard in military or official uniforms.
The uniform was accessorised with a gold aiguillette (a decorative cord) draped over the shoulder - a detail often reserved for high-ranking officials or ceremonial roles.
As per Ndeti, the picture signified the Machakos Youth Empowerment Program Day, which is a county initiative launched in January 2025 that trains over 1,000 vulnerable youths annually in practical skills, discipline, and entrepreneurship to combat unemployment.
The photo itself was originally taken in February, when Governor Ndeti was launching the program. Today is set to mark the graduation of the first cohort.
However, her uniform sparked debate with Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s senior advisor on Constitutional Affairs, criticising the governor for donning the outfit, noting that the President was the only civilian who could wear military or military-like uniform.
“Why are some civilian leaders donning military or military-like garb in Kenya? The only civilian who can wear military garb is the President in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces,” he said.
“All others must stop this fascination with military uniforms and protocols,” Mutua added.
What the Law Says About Civilians Wearing Military-Like Uniform
According to the Kenyan Constitution, it is unlawful for unauthorised personnel to dress up in military or military-like regalia.
The law prohibits the unauthorised use, sale, or possession of military uniforms and equipment. This is actually a serious offence that can lead to arrest, imprisonment, or fines.
According to the Kenya Defence Force Act of 2012, if someone wears or uses military gear or falsely represents themselves as a member of the military, they can face a fine of up to Ksh2 million or imprisonment of up to seven years or both.
Both the police and the military have previously raised the alarm over civilians wearing their official or ceremonial uniforms, as this poses a security risk.
Cases of robbers posing as police officers in uniform have been reported, with both the police and KDF arresting civilians with stolen official gear.
In the past, government officials, such as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary, and former Public Service CS Moses Kuria, have been spotted wearing military-like gear, prompting queries about whether they were authorized to wear the uniforms.
