On Sunday, October 12, the First Lady joined her husband, President William Ruto, at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Ziwani’s 70th anniversary celebrations held at Starehe Boys’ Centre in Nairobi County.

Rachel turned heads after donning the AIC cadet uniform — identical to that of the young female cadets who performed during the ceremony. Her outfit featured a sky-blue skirt, white shirt, matching sash and hat, net gloves, white socks, and rubber shoes.

Seated beside the President, Rachel’s appearance quickly went viral after photos and videos from the event surfaced online.

Mixed Reactions Online

The unusual look prompted an avalanche of comments from Kenyans. Some praised her humility and willingness to blend in with the cadets, while others found the outfit amusing.

“Fully uniformed First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto joined the AIC Ziwani Cadet in a graceful performance... A true embodiment of humility and grace — leading by example,” wrote Bonnie Musambi, State House Director of Coordination, who also attended the function.

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However, social media users were not as unanimous.

One user quipped, “She looks like a Standard One pupil,” while another joked, “At first I thought it was a househelp.” Others, though, defended her attire, saying it reflected cultural awareness and respect for the church.

Another fan commented, “The attire is proper. She looks young and fit,” while others labelled the outfit “too ridiculous.”

Not Her First Fashion Talk

This isn’t the first time the First Lady’s wardrobe has sparked conversation. Back in March 2025, Rachel drew attention after wearing Bally O’Brien Classic heels worth €589 (KSh 79,992) during the visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

The luxurious suede block heels, paired with a peplum top and skirt, made headlines, with many Kenyans surprised by the price tag.

Whether in designer heels or cadet uniform, Rachel Ruto continues to draw public attention for her unique sense of style — one that often walks the line between elegance, symbolism, and controversy.