It is quite common to see politicians and prominent people wearing luxury brands and splashing millions or even billions on clothing items, cars, jewelry among many other products.
Politicians in Kenya including past presidents have often been seen wearing luxury watches and suits, stirring either excitement or criticism from citizens.
Lately however, Kenyans have gotten furious of politicians who have been spotted purchasing items worth millions while citizens grapple with the high cost of living.
These items include shoes, watches, chairs, cars, belts among a few.
Notably, what seems to anger Kenyans the most, is that the very leaders purchasing millions of products, are the same who citizens feel should understand and address the difficult financial times.
Ruto Wearing Ksh 425K Belt
The latest uproar on politicians splashing millions was ignited after President William Ruto was seen wearing a Ksh425,000 worth leather belt while he attended a church service at the Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West, Nairobi.
A deep dive of the brand revealed that it is a luxury Stefano Ricci crocodile belt, which is also one of the best and most expensive belts in the fashion world.
The belt was first flagged by Kenyan columnist Gabriel Oguda who posted on X criticizing Ruto for wearing the expensive belt while addressing ‘starving Kenyans’.
“The President of the Republic of Kenya went to church today to tell Kenyans sleeping hungry to tighten their belts, while wearing a designer belt worth half a million Kenya shillings. You can’t make this stuff up,” he stated.
Ironically, while speaking during the Sunday service, the head of state asked political leaders to live within their means proposing a 30 to 50 percent reduction in government spending as proposed by the bipartisan team.
“They have given recommendations all those recommendations are okay. Where they said we lessen Government spending by 50%, I have done that already.
“Those calling for lessening to be done by 30%, I suggest that they increase it to 50% for Kenya to move forward. We must learn to live within our means,” he stated.
Also Read: Ruto Responds to Dialogue Committee Recommendations
Orengo Ksh263,979 Shirt
Siaya Governor James Orengo was also put on the spotlight in September 2023, for wearing a Ksh263,979 worth shirt while attending his son’s dowry payment ceremony.
Kenyans who conducted research found out that the shirt was a Versace brand, a global Italian fashion brand.
Versace indicated on its website that the shirt is made of 100 percent silk and featured the Barocco print, which is popular with affluent buyers hence the pricing.
Also, the Italian brand doesn’t have an official store in Kenya meaning that interested buyers have to import the piece of clothing from South Africa, the United States or Europe.
Also Read: Governor Otuoma Offers to Mediate Tiff between Orengo and His Deputy
Murkomen Wearing Ksh140,000 Shoe
Similarly, earlier in August 2023, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also made headlines after wearing a Ksh140,000 worth shoe while visiting the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) offices.
Murkomen was interrogating a power outage case at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Notably, the shoe was a Navy-Blue Gucci sneaker, with the Gucci logo displayed on it. At the time, it was valued at Ksh131,000 (USD920).
However, the amount does not include the shipping costs, which Gucci charges Ksh3,570 (USD25) for a business day delivery.
During the meeting, the CS fired former KAA Managing Director Alex Gitari and Fred Odawo, General Manager of Project and Engineering Services and Abel Gogo.
Siaya Deputy Governor Buying Ksh1.12 million Worth Chair
In June 2023, Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol, was put on the spot for allegedly procuring a chair worth Ksh1.12 million.
According to reports, the deputy governor ordered for the renovation of his office and all furniture replaced immediately after being sworn in.
As such, questions raised over the procurement of the seat led to the impeachment of Oduol by Siaya MCAs.
However, Members of Parliament rejected a committee report that recommended his removal from office.
A special Ad Hoc committee found that the allegations against him did not warrant his removal from office.
“The committee notes that the Deputy Governor admitted having interfered with the procurement process in Siaya County,” committee chairman Senators William Kisang of Elgeyo Marakwet County stated.
