While the event was marked by diplomatic discussions and formal speeches between the President and King Willem-Alexander, Kenyans were equally captivated by the fashion choices of First Lady Rachel Ruto and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
Queen Máxima’s Bold Red Look
On Monday, March 17, Queen Máxima made a striking entrance in an all-red ensemble as she and King Willem-Alexander were welcomed at State House, Nairobi with an official ceremony.
The Dutch Queen stunned in a sunset-hued cape dress adorned with feathers, featuring structured shoulders, a ruched neckline, and a flowing cape—her boldest fashion statement of 2025 so far.
The mother-of-three completed her monochrome look with killer red heels, an oversized statement hat, and a cherry-red clutch bag.
In a rare move for royalty—who typically stick to nude or neutral-toned nail polish—Queen Máxima opted for an immaculate red manicure, reinforcing her commitment to the romantic colour palette.
Adding to the elegance, she wore dazzling tulip drop earrings encrusted with glittering jewels.
First Lady Rachel Ruto’s Regal Ensemble
First Lady Rachel Ruto opted for a custom-made gold and white gown, a choice that sparked conversation among Kenyans.
The gown was full-length, and she paired it with brown shoes featuring a gold clasp, reminiscent of those famously worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
For decades, Queen Elizabeth’s shoes were handmade by Anello & Davide, a renowned shoemaker in Kensington, West London, with each pair costing around $350 (approximately Ksh 45,290).
First Lady Ruto’s choice of chunky footwear led to mixed reactions online, with Kenyans questioning the inspiration behind her selection.
Second Lady Joyce Kindiki’s Fashion Transformation
While the First Lady captivated Kenyans with her regal look, Second Lady Joyce Kindiki was on an official visit to Daystar University.
She was there to launch the Science Adding Value to Environment and Communities (SAVEC) program, an initiative aimed at promoting STEM education for sustainable development.
Dressed in a dazzling green two-piece outfit, Second Lady Kindiki left netizens impressed with her stylish transformation.
She paired her elegant dress with a new hairstyle, a noticeable upgrade from her previous look during her husband Kindiki Kithure’s inauguration four months ago.
The event was captured on TikTok channel Wothaya Kenya 1, where many Kenyans commented that she had taken earlier fashion critiques to heart and significantly improved her style.
With the Dutch Royals’ visit bringing both diplomacy and fashion into the spotlight, it’s clear that Kenyan leaders’ wardrobe choices are making just as much of an impact as the political discussions.
by MAUREEN WARUINGE
