When President William Ruto stepped out in a full military uniform worn by Kenyan soldiers drawn from different departments during the celebrations of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day at Moi Barracks in Eldoret on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the move rekindled memories of similar events during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reign and other heads of state.

During his tenure, it became a norm for Uhuru Kenyatta to wear military uniforms depending on the occasion. This made him both loved and criticised in equal measure, drawing admiration and disapproval from Kenyans.

Attires worn by past presidents

This tradition began with the country’s first head of state. The first president, Jomo Kenyatta, during his tenure, donned similar outfits; he often donned military outfits to showcase his authority and status.

Daniel Arap Moi followed suit during important national events.

Unlike his predecessors, Mwai Kibaki never wore military attire and opted for civilian attire.

Military attire culture

Uhuru Kenyatta became the third president to wear military attire after President Daniel Moi. The first time he wore a ceremonial uniform was in 2018, when he wore a red tunic, after wearing a full combat regalia in two other instances in 2014.

In October 2019, Uhuru Kenyatta again appeared in military ceremonial uniform, catching the attention of the nation. This time, he wore a ceremonial uniform maroon in colour worn by KDF officers during official events, at an occasion that was attended by top military officials.

In 2020, he appeared in a white naval uniform during the commissioning of the Kenya Navy ship built at the Kenya Shipyards in Mombasa.

The naval attire established his rank as the Admiral-in-Chief. He also made history as the first Commander-in-Chief since independence to ever wear a full naval uniform.

In 2021, Uhuru, just as he had done with the other units, the Army and the Navy, wore the Air Force ceremonial uniform during the KDF Day at Laikipia Airbase. This was his last Air Force Day before vacating office in September 2022.

Uhuru often appeared in military attire during pass-out parades, marching alongside officers. He also did the same during public holidays. By wearing military uniforms, Uhuru depicted the respect and honour he held for each branch of the KDF, his status as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and his commitment to the security of the nation.

President Ruto at KDF Day

President Ruto has now broken the silence that was last felt during Uhuru’s time. During the KDF Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, he stepped out in full military regalia, reminding Kenyans of the former president, with some even creating online challenges comparing the two on who wore it best.

He was dressed in combat boots and an insignia cap. What also caught the attention of Kenyans was his salute style; it appeared well-practised and perfectly synchronised with the soldiers.

He was also carrying a command baton, often placing it under his armpit while saluting. A command baton is a small stick-like staff normally reserved for senior military officials and symbolises authority, confidence, and discipline.

The first thing he did after alighting from a military helicopter was to salute the army generals who were present.