Photos: Ruto steps out in Maasai traditional regalia during Maa ceremony

President William Ruto adjusts his belt while addressing the crowd during the Maa Festival. [Peter Muiruri, Standard]

The president also wore the olkisungu, an ornamental necklace befitting a special guest while from the chest downwards hung the nkopilani, another set of thin, beaded straps. On both hands, the president wore the enkirina, the beaded bangles worn by both men and women in the Maa nation.

No Maasai outfit can be complete without the rubber sandals, nginyera. We could not establish if this was the first time he was wearing this particular pair for they can be tight and a bit uncomfortable in the hot climate.

As an elder in his own right, Ruto held the encharkaka narok, a black staff normally carried by elders and leaders on special occasions.

To cap it all, Ruto had the olalem, the popular Maasai sword carefully slid in its red-dyed sheath, or enchashur made from two light pieces of wood and cow hide. "Usually, a Maasai would use the olalem to cut pieces of meat during a feast. It is not for fighting as many people think," says Kipukel.

And since the president has declared the festival an annual national event, it is hoped that he will wear the traditional attire during subsequent events.

President William Ruto in Maasai regalia, complete with sandals. [Peter Muiruri, Standard]