In a candid statement, Itumbi openly declared that he dislikes wearing suits, describing them as restrictive and overrated. While acknowledging that some people look impressive in suits, he said the traditional combination of a jacket, trousers, shirt and tie does not work for everyone.
His biggest question, however, goes beyond personal fashion preferences. Why, he wondered, has a particular style of European clothing become the widely accepted definition of formal dressing across the world?
For generations, suits have dominated boardrooms, official ceremonies, corporate offices and other professional spaces. In many cases, people wearing alternative outfits may be viewed as less formal, regardless of how elegant or culturally significant their clothing is.
Itumbi believes that African creativity and identity should not require special permission before being accepted in official settings. He pointed to the Kaunda suit as one alternative that has served him well and also revealed his interest in Kenyan flag-inspired outfits, which he says are comfortable, distinctive and proudly Kenyan.
The discussion raises a broader question for Kenya and Africa: Can formal wear be redefined to accommodate culture, comfort and modern creativity without sacrificing professionalism?
Traditional African designs have increasingly gained recognition on international stages, yet Western-style suits remain dominant in many institutions. For professionals who want to express their cultural identity through clothing, the challenge is often balancing individuality with strict workplace or official protocols.
His humorous message to a possible reader in the year 2226 was simple: he hopes future generations will finally discover a convincing alternative. Otherwise, he suggested, humanity may still have a fashion problem to solve.
The debate is now open: Should Kenya and Africa rethink what qualifies as formal dressing? Share your views and remarks in the comment section below.
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