Entertainment

President Ruto’s Ksh145,000 Cartier Sunglasses Steal Spotlight at Baringo Cultural Festival

BARINGO COUNTY — President William Ruto’s choice of eyewear became an unexpected talking point during the Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction, as his luxury sunglasses captured attention both on the ground and across social media platforms.

Images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke show the President departing from his typical formal attire, opting instead for a casual ensemble highlighted by a pair of golden Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses. The fashion choice has sparked conversation about the intersection of political image-making, luxury consumption, and economic messaging in contemporary Kenya.

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The Luxury Behind the Lenses

The eyewear in question is a signature product from Cartier, the storied French luxury goods house. The Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses are distinguished by their prominent “C” décor on the temples, rimless frames, and refined finishing that has become synonymous with the brand’s aesthetic.

The sunglasses feature smooth 18-karat gold plating, photochromic lenses that adjust to changing light conditions, and multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. The “C de Cartier” motif carries with it more than a century of Parisian craftsmanship and heritage, lending the accessory an air of timeless sophistication.

For President Ruto, the glasses provided a sharp, contemporary look that aligned with his increasingly frequent appearances in smart casual attire at cultural and sporting events nationwide.

The Price Tag

A search of the Cartier website reveals the Classic C de Cartier Motif Sunglasses retail for approximately Ksh145,000. Meanwhile, MidWest Jewellery lists similar models at Ksh154,000, underscoring the premium nature of the accessory.

The price point has not gone unnoticed among Kenyans, particularly as the country navigates economic pressures affecting household budgets across income levels.

Function Meets Fashion

At the Kimalel Goat Auction—a vital marketplace where pastoralists showcase their livestock and political leaders engage with rural economic realities—the sunglasses’ photochromic technology proved practical. The lenses adapted to Baringo’s intense sunlight, providing the President with optimal visibility during outdoor proceedings.

The festival itself was deemed a success, with record livestock sales and strengthened cultural connections among participating communities. However, for many observers, the lasting image will be that of the President, gavel in hand, with sunlight glinting off the gold “C” emblems at his temples.

A Growing Collection

The Cartier sunglasses are the latest addition to what appears to be a collection of high-end accessories. Earlier this year, President Ruto was photographed wearing a Rolex Daytona reference 16528—a model originally produced in the 1990s—during an official tour to Spain.

As political leaders worldwide increasingly recognize the role of personal style in public perception, President Ruto’s fashion choices continue to generate discussion about image, accessibility, and the messages conveyed through sartorial decisions.

The Baringo Cultural Festival concluded successfully, but the conversation around the President’s eyewear suggests that in the modern political landscape, even the smallest accessories can cast long shadows.