President William Ruto’s advisor, Makau Mutua, has faulted Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for donning military-like fatigues during her County Youth Empowerment Day.

Makau Mutua, in a statement shared on his social media handles on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, opposed the trend of governors and other civilians wearing military-like outfits.

He emphasised that such privilege is reserved only for members of the military or the president, who is the only civilian legally allowed to wear such attire since he serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Watch: Makau Mutua faults leaders wearing military-like uniforms

He went on to criticise Kenyan leaders who are often seen wearing military attire, urging them to stop their fascination with titles and uniforms.

“Why are some civilian leaders donning military or military-like garb in Kenya? The only civilian who can wear military garb is the President in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. All others must stop this fascination with military uniforms and protocols,” Mutua wrote.

Ruto during KDF day

This comes days after the President appeared in military fatigues during the Kenya Defence Forces Day at Eldoret Barracks, where he was clad in full military regalia: the jungle green uniform typically worn by the army during combat, along with black combat boots and an insignia cap.

What caught the attention of Kenyans during that day 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.

Governors Wearing Military Fatigues

The trend of wearing military-like fatigues has long been embraced by county heads, who often don the uniforms of county law enforcement officers, popularly known as kanjos, while inspecting parades or overseeing pass-outs.

These uniforms closely resemble police and military ceremonial attire.

It was also a common phenomenon during former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s tenure, as well as his successor, Johnson Sakaja’s. Other governors, like Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, and others, have also embraced it.