If you’ve spotted former Attorney General Justin Muturi in public recently, chances are he was rocking one of his signature Kaunda suits—those classy, collarless outfits that have quietly become a fashion staple in African leadership circles.
But while many assume President Ruto popularised the look in Kenya, Muturi says he was already donning the elegant design years earlier.
“I started wearing them long ago,” he told TNX Africa in an interview. “I have a good tailor in Hong Kong, another in Dubai, and one more in Lagos who really understands my style.”
The Kaunda suit, named after Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, blends formal wear with African flair. With its iconic stand-up collar and matching trousers, it was originally embraced as a symbol of post-independence pride across the continent.
For Muturi, however, it’s simply about what fits and feels right. “You just find what suits you,” he said casually when asked about his wardrobe choices.
And he’s not alone. Over the years, leaders like Tanzania’s late John Magufuli, South Africa’s Jacob Zuma, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, and even Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe have all been photographed in versions of the Kaunda suit. Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera is also a fan, often pairing the look with modern cuts.
Back in Kenya, Ruto’s embrace of the style since taking office has brought it new attention. But Muturi isn’t chasing trends—he’s just staying true to a look he’s refined with trusted hands from three continents.
With every appearance, he reminds Kenyans that political power doesn’t mean dressing like everyone else—and that sometimes, elegance is stitched far beyond the headlines.
By Nairobi