Ruto Breaks Silence on Gachagua’s Claims About His Expensive Wedding Outfit

President William Ruto has responded to criticism over his appearance at his daughter Charlene Ruto’s wedding in Tanzania, questioning why Kenyans were concerned about the clothes he wore during the ceremony.

Speaking on Sunday, November 15, the Head of State defended his dressing choices, saying he deliberately pays attention to his appearance just as he does to his speeches, actions and the ideas he promotes.

Ruto’s response followed remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed that the President’s outfit at the November 6 wedding was worth KSh100 million.

“I have heard people complaining about dressing; someone dresses as they please or what. Everyone wears the clothes that they want. The other day, someone was complaining about how I had dressed at a wedding. How is the coat any of your concern?” Ruto asked.

The President maintained that dressing well was a personal choice and argued that people had different standards when it came to their appearance and conduct.

“Just like everything I do, I pay attention to what I say, the ideas I prosecute, what I do, and how I dress; I pay attention. If you are casual about your dressing, what you say and how you do things, that is your choice,” he added.

Ruto also challenged those discussing his clothes and accessories to direct their attention towards national development issues instead of focusing on his personal appearance.

He questioned what he described as exaggerated prices attached to his wedding outfit, arguing that public debate should be centred on the government’s development agenda.

“What is the difference between those who are complaining about T-shirts and you complaining about a coat, shoes and watch? Even to cover for your emptiness, you exaggerate the prices of those items. Let us be content and forget all about these small things,” he said.

Gachagua had made the claims earlier on Sunday during a church service at African Inland Church Bathi in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County.

The former Deputy President alleged that Ruto’s coat cost KSh20 million, his shirt KSh5 million, trousers KSh15 million and shoes KSh25 million. He further claimed that the entire wedding cost KSh500 million and alleged that visiting Members of Parliament had their flights and accommodation paid for.

Gachagua used the occasion to question the contrast between the reported expenditure and the financial struggles of ordinary Kenyans, including families raising money to clear hospital bills.

Charlene married Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge on November 6 at Malaika Beach Resort in Mwanza. Ruto attended the ceremony alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto, with the couple’s wedding attracting prominent political guests from Kenya and Tanzania.

The President’s outfit included a burgundy jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, dark trousers, beige fedora and a decorative walking stick. The debate over the outfit has since drawn attention beyond the wedding, with Ruto now directly responding to the criticism.

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