What the presidential candidates wore and what it means

With a highly publicized event like the presidential debate of course comes a list of guidelines and instructions that all candidates are required to adhere to; and these instructions trickle all the way down to the candidates’ dress code.

All presidential candidates are not allowed to dress in luminous gear, traditional clothing or their respective party affiliated clothing during the debate.

As for the colors of their clothing, the candidates are required to dress in Navy Blue, Black or Grey business suits.

While the need to avoid dressing up in traditional clothing or luminous colors is understandable especially considering the seriousness of the presidential debate, the colors that are to be worn during the presidential debate also have a meaning behind them – if we are to look at the scientific side of things.

According to research, the colors that you wear determine the type of emotion that you evoke when people see you or get to interact with you for the first time.

Like it or not, the image that presidential candidates put out there is a key factor into whether they will be elected into office or not.

Everyone knows that campaigning is a marketing strategy and image is part of this marketing strategy – remember the amount of attention President Kenyatta’s shirt got during his endorsement as the Jubilee party presidential candidate for the August elections?

Yes that is how important image is especially during campaigning; from body language all the way to the color you decide to where.

Plive.co.ke looked into the meaning behind the colors that the presidential candidates were instructed to wear and this is what was compiled.

Navy Blue

Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty.

So for politicians that may want to exude power, conservatism respect or communicate an important message then blue would be the color they would opt for.

Independent candidate Professor Michael Wainaina chose to dress in blue African inspired gear.

Black

Black represents power, elegance, discipline and mystery.

Black can be worn to communicate and authoritative image or protect emotions.

Wearing too much black however can be overwhelming and could make it hard for the establishment of a rapport.

Third Way Alliance flag bearer Ekuru Aukot donned a black suit and matched it with a red tie. The color red is effective as an accessory to project energy and power.

Grey

Grey is seen as a practical, timeless, successful, and solid, It can however, sometimes,translate cautiousness.

In addition to this, psychologists believe that the colors red and blue help to improve brain performance and receptivity to advertising.

According to the study, red is the most effective at enhancing our attention to detail while blue is best at boosting our ability to think creatively.

Independent candidate Dr.Japheth Kaluyu chose a deep shade of grey and paired it with a maroon tie.

Presidential candidates that were missing from the first leg of the debate included United Democratic Party's Cyrus Jirongo, Alliance for Real Change's Abduba Dida and former Cabinet Minister Joe Nyagah.