All eyes on First Lady Margaret

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is yet to define her path in her new role.

On April 9, the fourth President of Kenya, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was sworn in. Kenyans got a new president and as part of the package, a new First Lady — Margaret Wanjiru Kenyatta. While the role of the president is of utmost importance, a First Lady’s role in the 21st Century is just as significant.

A lot is expected from today’s First Lady. She is not just a pretty face; she represents the people of her nation — she is like the mother figure of her nation.

In the United States, the role of First Lady is something, which has evolved due to popular demand and constant press coverage.The fanaticism around the title is akin to a religion of some sort.

So much so, that when US First Lady Michelle Obama changed her hairstyle on her 49th birthday earlier in January, just days before President Barack Obama’s, it immediately became big news almost over-shadowing her husband’s big day.

Now for us in Kenya, all eyes are on Margaret Kenyatta. Will she meet Kenyan’s high expectations? Although Margaret was rarely seen in the public limelight before her new status, with her new role, this is bound to change.

According to Nthenya Macharia an image consultant who owns the Orange Company, Kenyans have been starved of a First lady for the last 24 years, and so the role is still new as it has not been clearly defined over the years — at least locally.

“It is an exciting time for us. It is thrilling to have a female expression of power. Yes, she is not the president but she is someone we can all look up to,” says Nthenya.

“Lucy Kibaki took up the role at a time when the First Lady seat had been vacant for a while, so she was not also sure about what the role entailed and had to redefine it as best as she could.

For most African countries, the role of a First Lady did not make sense until Michelle came into the limelight. Today, she stands out as someone all First Ladies can emulate.”

And while the First Lady’s role still includes the traditional aspects like ceremonial appearances, over the years, certain roles have emerged, worldwide, as very key.

FASHION AND GROOMING

Image and glamour have always been a silent but integral expectation of the office of the First Lady. The press have always covered the fashion and beauty choices of the First Lady. Even decades of feminism have not eroded this obsession.

Nthenya says a president’s wife has a higher calling to always look the part and to be a role model in fashion.

“When it comes to dressing, the First Lady should get local designers to pitch in or a stylist, nothing should be left to chance. What she chooses to wear is integral. For instance, Michelle looked good during Obama’s first and second inauguration ceremonies. I was impressed by her fashion choices,” she says.

According to Derrick Mbanga an image consultant, who owns Public Image, it is important for a First Lady to have her own unique style because people will be watching her when she steps out. Anything she wears will garner attention.

“Look at other First Ladies who have been considered style icons like Jackie Kennedy or Michelle, they both found a style that not only worked for them, but also stood out. When you are a younger First Lady, many young people will look up to you. Margaret needs to have a wide range of looks to accommodate different styles,” Derrick advises.

“Cameroon’s First Lady has a bold and flamboyant sense of style and it works for her. It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but that is her personality. I can assure you that when she walks into a room, heads will definitely turn.”

HAIR STYLE

 On Margaret’s choice to keep her hair short, natural and grey, both Nthenya and Derrick support her.

While Derrick believes that her hairstyle is gravitatious as she wears it well and comfortably, Nthenya thinks that her hair style is a style symbol and a sign that our First Lady is confident in her own skin.

PUBLIC VOICE

A First Lady presents a strong visual image of a president’s marriage and family life. Over the years, she has come to serve as a voice who speaks with authority on issues affecting a nation, but who also speaks of her spouse’s attributes and accomplishments. Therefore, public speaking has quickly emerged into an important cornerstone of what makes an influential First Lady.

Vocally, Margaret seems to be shy. This was evident during President Uhuru’s last presidential campaign at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park where Uhuru pleaded with her to ‘say a word’ to the crowd but she shyly declined. Derrick stresses it is important for a First Lady to have a say on national matters.

“A First Lady should not just be seen, she should be vocal. I understand that she may be shy, but her new role has thrust her  into the spotlight and public speaking is part of that. Coaching and training is a great way to improve on her speaking skills,” says Derrick.

Nthenya agrees with his sentiments: “A First Lady cannot avoid public speaking. It, especially comes in handy when embarking on a cause, something that has become an important role for every First lady.”

PICKING A CAUSE

Mama Lucy was more vocal and took up the crusade against HIV and Aids as a pet project. Similarly, Margaret will have to define her office and special duties.

And it cannot be an undercover cause; it has to be a cause that the public knows about, says Derrick.

In the West, many First Ladies in the past, have also supported certain causes. Barbara Bush championed against illiteracy, Hillary Clinton picked healthcare and adoption, Laura Bush chose education and Michelle took on childhood obesity. So far, nothing has been said about the cause Kenya’s new First lady will take; only time will tell.

And that while we are all curious about our new First Lady, the public needs to give her time to find her footing.