President William Ruto is once again at the center of public controversy—this time, not over policy or politics, but a jacket. A photo of the president wearing a luxurious blouson jacket estimated to cost KSh 6.25 million has triggered widespread backlash from Kenyans already grappling with rising costs of living and economic uncertainty.
The viral image, captured during his recent visit to his wheat farm in Uasin Gishu, shows Ruto in a designer lambskin-and-crocodile leather jacket reportedly from the Italian luxury brand Stefano Ricci. The price tag, roughly $48,000, has caused a wave of anger, particularly on social media where critics say it reflects a disturbing disconnect between the president and the plight of ordinary citizens.
“People are suffering, fuel prices are unbearable, and yet he walks around in a jacket worth millions,” one user wrote on Reddit. Others accused the president of flaunting wealth while telling Kenyans to “tighten their belts.”
This is not the first time Ruto’s taste for high-end fashion has come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, he was spotted wearing a Rolex Daytona watch valued between KSh 6.5 and 8.5 million during a state visit to Spain. These repeated displays of extravagance are drawing concern, especially given Ruto’s earlier branding as a “hustler” leader, promising to uplift the common mwananchi (citizen).
Public frustration appears to be growing beyond online spaces. Civil society voices, trade unions, and even members of the clergy have begun raising questions about leadership ethics and the priorities of the government.
“This is not just about a jacket,” said a Nairobi-based political analyst. “It speaks to a larger issue of trust and representation. When leaders call for sacrifice but live lavishly, it erodes public confidence.”
The backlash also comes at a time when Kenya is facing serious economic strain. Inflation remains high, unemployment is rising, and recent tax measures have added pressure on household budgets. Many now view such displays of opulence as not just tone-deaf, but provocative.
While State House has not commented on the cost of the jacket or its origin, the public debate continues to intensify. For a presidency that once prided itself on humility and grassroots appeal, this latest controversy could further alienate the very population it pledged to serve.
As the nation navigates its economic challenges, Ruto’s fashion choices have unexpectedly become symbolic of a broader political conversation—one about leadership, accountability, and the glaring gap between the elite and the everyday Kenyan.
