On October 14, 2025, President William Ruto attended KDF Day celebrations at Moi Barracks in Eldoret while donning a full Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) combat uniform.
He wore military fatigues in public for the first time since his election in 2022.
State House released the photos, which went viral on social media and represented a pivotal visual moment for his presidency.
Ruto presided over the national event in full command regalia, joined by, among others, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Charles Kahariri and Defence CS Soipan Tuya.
The event underscored his constitutionally mandated role as commander-in-chief and coincided with the government’s ongoing emphasis on unity and national security.
The President is a five-star general and holds the prestigious title of Commander-in-Chief (CIC) of the armed forces.
This position confers on him a constitutional role of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Moment
The political and economic climate in Kenya at the moment serves as a significant background for this appearance.
The nation is still negotiating its economic recovery, border security issues, and changing political allegiances both inside and outside of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
A head of state’s public interaction with the military in such a setting has broader implications.
There is precedent for wearing military uniforms during national holidays.
In order to honour service members and strengthen civilian-military solidarity, former presidents, such as Ruto’s predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, did so on several occasions.
Uhuru Kenyatta even visited the KDF troops on the Somalia frontline.
Ruto’s decision, however, drew attention because it was his first appearance of that kind, generating fresh public curiosity about his administration’s stance on defence and national identity issues.
The photos from online and mainstream media outlets received a range of reactions. Ruto Supporters saw it as a reaffirmation of the president’s responsibility to protect national stability and a show of respect for the military.
Others questioned whether the action might make it more difficult to distinguish between military representation and civilian leadership, which is still a crucial balance in Kenya’s governance structure.
Institutional Significance and Optics
Visual communication is becoming more and more important in influencing public opinion in modern politics.
The image of a leader in uniform can be a simple reminder of constitutional authority, but it also encourages consideration of the projection of power.
In this case, Ruto’s presence highlighted the defence forces’ contributions to regional and internal security while reinforcing the chain of command.
READ ALSO: KDF ranks and salaries: All you need to know
Kenya’s Constitution firmly places the military under civilian control. Occasional ceremonial displays by the head of state are therefore viewed primarily through institutional rather than political lenses.
The emphasis, as articulated by Defence officials during KDF Day, was on professionalism, modernisation, and national service.
PAY ATTENTION: Reach us at info@gotta.news.
