During the Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County, President William Ruto's stylish sunglasses caught the eye of Kenyans both at the event and online.
In images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, President Ruto swapped the formal suits that often define State House appearances for a casual outfit accentuated by golden Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses.
The choice of eyewear highlighted the intersection of fashion, political branding, and the price of luxury in a changing economic landscape.
The eyewear in question, Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses, is a hallmark product of the French luxury goods conglomerate, Cartier, which features a "C" décor on the temples, aside from the exquisite finishes and rimless frames.
The sunglasses featured a smooth 18-karat gold plating, photochromic lenses and often possessed multiple layers of an anti-reflective coating.
Additionally, the "C de Cartier" motif represents a lineage of craftsmanship that dates back over a century, adding Parisian heritage to the accessory.
For the President, these glasses provided a sharp, modern look that complemented his increasingly frequent "smart casual" appearances at cultural and sporting events across the country.
An internet search of the "Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses" on the Cartier website revealed the shades cost a whopping Ksh145,000.
Meanwhile, the MidWest Jewellery prices the 'Sunglasses Classic C de Cartier Motif' at Ksh154,000, pointing to the luxurious nature of the President's accessory.
Attending the Kimalel Goat Auction, which serves as a hub for pastoralists to showcase their livestock and leaders to engage with the rural economy, the president's sunglasses with photochromic technology were useful for adjusting to the bright Baringo sun to provide maximum clarity.
Ultimately, the Baringo Cultural Festival was a success, with record numbers of livestock sold and cultural ties strengthened. Yet, the enduring image for many will be that of the President, gavel in hand, with the sunlight reflecting off the gold-finished "C" on his temples.
The stylish sunglasses the President donned during the Baringo Cultural Festival add to a collection of accessories, including a Rolex Daytona reference 16528, which was originally produced in the 1990s, which he wore on a tour to Spain earlier in the year.
