Red shuka, beaded jewellery and a walking staff the President joins the colourful celebration on the final day.
President William Ruto was among the guests at the Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival in Narok on Saturday, 14th November 2026, according to photos shared by Kenyans.co.ke.
The pictures show the President dressed in traditional Maasai regalia. He wore a bright red shuka draped over his shoulders layers of colourful beaded necklaces and a hat. He also held a walking staff in both hands and smiled for the camera.
The five-day festival runs from 10th to 14th November at the Maasai Mara in Narok County and organisers expect more than 100,000 people to attend. The President was scheduled to join the closing ceremony.
The festival costs an estimated Sh317 million and the national government and the county governments of Narok, Kajiado and Samburu have committed Sh217 million.
The event has a short but busy history. It was first held in Narok in 2023, then moved to Samburu in 2024 and Kajiado in 2025 before returning to Narok this year. The three counties agreed in 2023 to host it in turns so that the culture and tourism sites of the Maa community can be preserved and promoted.
This is not the first time the President has worn Maasai attire at the festival. At the 2023 edition he carried a black staff which elders and leaders traditionally hold on special occasions.
For visitors and local families the festival is about song, dance and sharing culture. This year’s edition ends in Narok with the President among the crowds.