Style Shift: DP Gachagua’s Dapper Transformation From Baggy Suits to Trendsetting Threads Steals Spotlight
Immediately upon being chosen as President William Ruto’s running mate, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua became a subject of numerous memes, largely owing to his distinctive appearance marked by ill-fitting, baggy attire including loose-fitting suits, oversized coats, and sagging trousers.
Gachagua’s arrival in the Kenyan online conversation was swiftly dominated by critics of his fashion sense, who pointed out his fondness for poorly fitting suits and wrinkled shirts. These garments often hung awkwardly on his large figure, making him appear outdated and somewhat absurd.
The Deputy President-elect’s penchant for donning flashy suits wasn’t the only factor contributing to his transformation into a laughable caricature. His habit of frequently issuing unfiltered statements, often deemed cringeworthy and politically incorrect by many, further added to this perception.
During one of his initial television appearances before taking office, Mr. Gachagua openly acknowledged his lack of fashion sense. He recognized the criticism surrounding his unfavorable appearance and pledged to improve his style.
“Going forward I will be back to the gym. I know many people have been raising questions about how I dress and I want to tell them I had no luxury to think about dressing,” Gachagua told journalists at his Karen home.
He added; “I was in danger and had to look over my shoulder to make sure that I live to take care of my family.”
The Deputy President then guaranteed the people of Kenya that within just three months, he would return with a polished appearance.
ALSO READ:
- “Two Groups, One Agenda”: Gachagua Accuses Raila of Secret Political Deals
- Exclusive: Ida Odinga’s 75th Birthday Party in Karen (Photos)
- FKF President Discloses Exact Amount Paid to Harambee Stars Players
- Gachagua’s Ally Senator John Methu Admits Ruto Might Win 2027 Elections
- Maraga Explains Why He Hasn’t Campaigned in Kisii Despite 2027 Bid
“I am in pretty bad shape. In another three months, I will be in very good shape and people will love it,” he asserted.
Shortly after pledging to enhance his lackluster appearance, the Deputy Prime Minister began to appear more polished, refined, and sophisticated when venturing out in public.
The worn-out attire had vanished, replaced by a sophisticated ensemble featuring stylish jumpsuits, elegant jackets, designer shades, and impeccably tailored Italian suits. Just a fortnight prior, he had even made an entrance sporting Air Force 1’s, embodying the very image he had vowed to become back in 2022.
A couple of days back, a photo surfaced online showing Mr. Gachagua at State House, looking sharp in a stylish blue suit, garnering admiration from everyone who saw it.
He arrived in Embu for the Drama Festivals on Tuesday, sporting a cowboy hat for added flair.
Merely a month after that, in September 2022, the Deputy President impressed Kenyans with his sharp attire. He stood alongside Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, donning a well-tailored black suit with a single-breasted design, complemented by a vibrant red tie and stylish Hancock designer shoes.
On Mohammed Ali’s Instagram post, which has garnered more than 3,400 ‘LIKES’, nearly all the comments, approximately 98%, are praising Gachagua’s polished appearance.
In December 2023, during the Youth Connekt Africa summit, Gachagua arrived resembling a former American baseball player. He sported a stylish white tracksuit adorned with subtle gold accents, featuring his brand name ‘Riggy G’ prominently displayed along the edges.
To finish off the ensemble, Gachagua adorned himself with fashionable black shades and eye-catching white sneakers.
ALSO READ: What it Would Take to Remove Presidential Term Limits in Kenya
Karen Nyamu, visibly thrilled, couldn’t contain her excitement as she took to Instagram to express her admiration for the appearance.
“Bossy amepiga looku Hatari. Shoe game pia ni kama ile ya baba Nimu… (Samidoh)…” she wrote.
Since that time, Gachagua seems to have developed a preference for vibrant tracksuits as he embarks on solitary early-morning strolls, whether in the mountainous landscapes of Nanyuki or the tranquil shores of Malindi.
Similarly to his superior, the Deputy President seems to have adopted Kaunda suits, as indicated by the khaki ensemble he sported on April 6 during a public lecture at Pwani University.
His formal attire has also seen an upgrade – it seems he’s opted for a more distinguished tailor, possibly from Italy or the chic boutiques of Paris, abandoning his previous local tailor.
Every day, he seems to refine his appearance further, with his suits appearing more tailored, his physique becoming slimmer, his fashion sense growing more sophisticated, and his overall look becoming more slender.
When it comes to what he says in public, the Deputy President’s tone has shifted away from the anger and hostility of the election campaign. Recently, he has adopted a more conciliatory approach, going as far as publicly apologizing to former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta for his previous remarks about the First Family.
Style Shift: DP Gachagua’s Dapper Transformation From Baggy Suits to Trendsetting Threads Steals Spotlight
