Behind the Scenes: Ruto's Presidential Portrait Shoot [VIDEO]

A collage image of President William Ruto's portrait on a wall (left) and an official presidential portrait released by the government (right).
A collage image of President William Ruto's portrait on a wall (left) and an official presidential portrait released by the government (right).
File

A behind-the-scenes video of President William Ruto's ceremonial portrait shoot, which will be displayed in all public offices, has surfaced.

In footage seen by Kenyans.co.kethe the photo session was conducted by a team of six lensmen led by renowned photographer Emmanuel Jambo.

The room was set up with equipment including the flag in the grey background. President Ruto was asked to take position in front of two light soft boxes and Jambo clicked his camera.

However, he was not satisfied with the image transmitted to his laptop - with the issue being the appearance of the flag. The photographer made adjustments and directed the president taking the shot.

President William Ruto's portrait and photographer Emmanuel Jambo.
President William Ruto's portrait and photographer Emmanuel Jambo.
File

"Smile. Yes, that's a perfect one right there," Jambo stated.

The appearance of the flag on the portrait deviated from the norm and is an adoption of the style used by the presidents of the United States of America (USA).

The photo went through editing and was first officially unveiled to the public during the Head of State's inauguration at the Kasarani Stadium on September 13. The military replaced former President Uhuru Kenyatta's portrait with that of Ruto.

Emmanuel Jambo is a renowned photographer and was recognised by Forbes Magazine as among the top in the continent in 2012. He has shot portraits of the African presidents including  Zambia's Rupiah Banda and Kenneth Kaunda, and South Sudan's Salva Kiir.

Locally, he produced a documentary for the Blind Kids of Thika and has also nurtured photographers. Among his proteges, Thandiwe Muriu, had her whose images were showcased at the Apple event during the unveiling of the  iPad Mini in September 2021.

State House Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna announced that the portrait was available for purchase at the Department of Information at Uchimi House along Aga Khan Walk withing the Central Business District (CBD) at Ksh300 a piece.

In 2013, the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology maintained that it was mandatory for government offices to have the official portrait displayed in their offices. This may not apply to private enterprises.

"There is a requirement for government offices to display the portraits. Those in the private sector can do it at their own pleasure.” former ICT PS Bitange Ndemo stated then.

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