Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has defended her fashion sense after an apparent fashion mishap that saw her trolled online in November last year.
A photo of the county boss wearing a baggy coat went viral on November 8, 2022, as a section of Kenyans criticized her over what they termed a "poor dress code".
But speaking during an interview with Citizen TV's Mashirama Kapombe on Monday, January 2, the governor blamed the perception about the suit on the angle the photo was taken from.
The county chief said she bought the "very expensive" suit in Germany, adding that she is a stylish dresser.
"I am a good dresser. I don't dress cheaply. I have taste, I like good things and I don't like cheap things...I went to school in England and the English people know how to dress (sic).." she said adding that she had also lost some weight after becoming governor.
She added: "When you at the photo from the front it was okay. It was the angle from which the photo was taken. Also, I had rubber shoes on. You can't wear high heels in mashinani (rural areas)."
According to Ndeti, netizens commented about the photo because of how much they care about her appearance in public.
"If they didn't care no such debate would arise. Some were asking if I woke up well. So I apologise and thank them," Ndeti said adding that the photo was taken by members of her communication team, who she jokingly said would be fired if such backlash reoccurred.
The governor, who was celebrating her birthday, had shared the photo on her Facebook page to update her followers on her day's activities.
"Today I decided to mark my birthday by engaging with Machakos County residents on the final day of the 2-week long Public Participation forums I have been holding in all the 40 wards in Machakos County," Ndeti wrote on Facebook.
"I thank God for blessing me with another year. This is another chance for me to serve residents of our great County of Machakos."
Kenyans, however, overlooked the message and shifted their attention to her dress code, sharing the photo widely on social media.
Reacting to the viral memes then, Ndeti regretted the fashion mishap saying she would not disappoint Kenyans again.
Ndeti, while sharing photos of her in well-fitting trendy outfits, said she knows all that Kenyans wanted was to see her smartly dressed.
"Lakini nyinyi wakenya, enyewe mmeniweza. One thing I now know is that you love me being smart. Sitadissapoint tena. Nowadays I care more about your needs. Love you guys," she captioned the photos.
Lakini nyinyi wakenya, enyewe mmeniweza. One thing I now know is that you love me being smart. Sitadissapoint tena. Nowadays I care more about your needs. Love you guys. pic.twitter.com/nx3s9hVVCn— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole (@Wavinya_Ndeti) November 11, 2022
Meanwhile, the governor on Sunday reiterated her commitment to ensuring her government improves the lives of Machakos residents.
"In the first 100 days, I have achieved what I had set out for the residents. I've donated food to vulnerable communities, given seeds to farmers in 40 wards and launched infrastructure projects in the county as well as equipped hospitals with drugs. I have spent over Ksh120 million to purchase medication in our hospitals," she said.
She became governor after her third attempt in the August 9 general election.
