First Lady Rachael Ruto's outfit during royal visit leaves Kenyans scratching their fashion heads

Mama Rachael, not a stranger to experimental outfits especially on national days, wore an outfit featuring a blend of zippy colors, damask touch and overemphasized finishings.

The cream ensemble, spluttered with an overdose of gold patterns, appeared to look too distracting and even uncomfortable.

She stood next to Queen Maxima, who wore a flowing candy pink dress with a striking flowery accent on the front.

Kenyans, in their collective numbers, joined in the resounding chorus of disapproval, many blasting the First Lady's stylist for the 'tasteless' sense of style, with most particularly panning that particular outfit, describing it as dull, exhaustively bland and simply uninspiring.

They also noted that the dress did very little to flatter the First Lady's look, also adding that, for such a momentous Royal occasion, Mama Rachael should have chosen to make a memorable fashion statement as her outfits are not just an expression of herself - but that of the nation as well.

Mrs. Ruto paired the outfit with a pricey designer pair of shoes, but the dull color and design still failed to impress.

Karen Waithera wrote on X: "State House should fire the First Lady's stylist. This is someone who is clearly on a mission to sabotage Mama Rachael or just someone with absolutely no idea of what they're doing. Or maybe she doesn't even have a stylist and just throws these things on herself. This is a national crisis!"

James Kamau, a fashion enthusiast, also chimed in, remarking: "A First Lady’s wardrobe reflects the political mood of the nation. They’re icons not just of fashion, but of how fashion frames power. She should command a look that tells us precisely who she is, or at least who she wants us to think she is. This one is a national disaster."

Yet another Kenyan agreed, noting, "Kenya has enough designers who could have pulled off the perfect look for such an important day. Mama Rachael's outfit is the type you find local women in the villages wearing for Ruracio ceremonies. It's not just boring, it shouldn't be worn by a First Lady of any nation, let alone Kenya!"

Regardless of party affiliations, fans and foes alike are always fascinated by a First Lady's fashion choices, as they are almost always a show-stopper at inaugurations, campaign stops, state dinners, presidential debates, royal banquets and other key appearances.

World over, First Ladies have used fashion as a powerful tool of influence, identity, and diplomacy; Everything, starting from the fabric, form, designer, and what it symbolizes holds a huge significance.

In the US, First Ladies such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnson and Michele Obama are remembered for their pioneering fashion sense and their striking looks which went on to inspire generations and shape notable moments of the country's history.

Hello Magazine noted that Michelle Obama was the champion of sleeveless sophistication. "Her J. Crew-meets-Jason Wu style was part invitation, part power move, showed us that style and substance can tango to create a powerful yet personable facade."

On the current First Lady, they wrote, "Melania Trump’s icy elegance feels almost cinematic, as if she stepped out of a high-fashion noir film. Her style is defined by a polished, often minimalistic elegance that combines luxury and high fashion with a distinctly European sensibility."

It is particularly ironic that visiting Queen Maxima's outfit was itself designed by a Kenyan designer - who went on to upstage the look of the Kenyan First Lady and on Kenyan soil.