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Five Politicians with Expensive Fashion Taste (Photos)
In a society where the realms of authority blend with the domains of opulence, a distinct cadre of politicians distinguishes itself through unabashed enjoyment of life’s luxuries.
Whether it’s extravagant automobiles or high-end fashion, these political figures highlight that the arena of politics encompasses more than just ideologies and public addresses—it also serves as a stage for lavish living.
In a nation where many face the tough challenges of economic struggle, with some Kenyans unable to afford a basic meal, the ostentatious shows of wealth by the political elite prompt concerns regarding inequality in both wealth and opportunity.
Here are the leaders who have not shied away from showing their extravagance:
President William Ruto
Since assuming office, President William Ruto has displayed a clear penchant for luxury.
At a gathering in Naivasha, he was observed wearing a Fredo Ferucci Crocodile Alligator bomber jacket, reportedly priced at around Sh1.9 million ($13,450).
Recently, during his meeting with Sultan Ahmed Al Jabar, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates in Dubai two weeks ago, President Ruto was seen sporting shoes valued at Sh178,620.
Moreover, during last year’s Jamhuri Day festivities, he garnered attention by donning a pair of renowned French Christian Louboutin shoes, renowned for their distinctive red soles, which typically retail for approximately Sh160,000 per pair.
Just a few weeks before that, he was also spotted wearing an exclusive Stefano Ricci belt, valued at approximately Sh425,000.
Uhuru Kenyatta
In 2018, during the opening of the Dongo Kundu Bypass, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was observed donning a Stefano Ricci Italian silk Paisley print shirt, valued at Sh134,000.
Additionally, at the memorial service for US-based Kenyan scholar Calestous Juma, Mr. Kenyatta was spotted wearing a Santos 100 carbon watch, which is priced at $7,600 (Sh782,800).
During his time as president, Mr. Kenyatta’s preference for upscale watches was evident from his collection.
Notably, he was often spotted wearing prestigious timepieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, valued at Sh3,899,500, and the luxurious Patek Philippe Aquanaut, priced at Sh3,399,900.
Additionally, he favored the Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon, which comes with a price tag of Sh3,200,000.
His inclination towards Rolex was evident, as he wore the Rolex Submariner Green Bezel, valued at Sh855,000, in addition to another Rolex Submariner worth Sh850,000, and the timeless Rolex Oyster Perpetual, priced at Sh529,200.
Kipchumba Murkomen
After assuming the role of Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Murkomen’s inclination towards luxury became apparent.
He frequently showcased a Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold wristwatch, priced at Sh2 million.
Additionally, during a media briefing following an inspection of the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) offices after a power outage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Murkomen attracted attention with his navy blue Gucci sneakers, valued at Sh131,000.
During the renewal of the Aviation Security Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and the UK, Murkomen opted to endorse the document using a pen valued at Sh150,000.
This pen was no ordinary writing instrument; it was the special edition John F. Kennedy fountain pen, paying homage to the revered former President of the United States.
Ali Hassan Joho
In the previous year, there was a TikTok video featuring former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho wearing a white Moncler Dincer jacket valued at Sh230,000, paired with Alexander McQueen New Court Eco low-top sneakers costing Sh70,000.
He would also be spotted wearing a sleek pair of black Men’s Black Alpha Male Patent Loafers by Christian Louboutin, celebrated for its iconic red bottoms.
These luxurious shoes are listed at $649 on the brand’s official site, translating to roughly Sh93,715.60.
Additionally, he has in the past flaunted a Richard Mille watch, with an astounding value of Sh45 million.
Back in 2017, he made an appearance in Louis Vuitton sneakers valued at around Sh92,000, featuring a blend of monogram canvas, technical lining, and a meticulously handcrafted rubber outsole.
Mike Sonko
If opulence had a face, it would undoubtedly bear the unmistakable appearance of the former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko.
In recent displays of luxury, Sonko has left no stone unturned in showcasing his taste for the extravagant.
One cannot help but marvel at the opulent spectacle he presented just a few days ago, from his flaunting of the illustrious Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette Ruby watch, reportedly acquired for a princely sum of Sh50 million, to his choice of Amiri sneakers, each step valued at a staggering Sh130,000 ($805).
However, it appeared that the former governor could have purchased the watch when the shilling was stronger because the watch cost approximately Sh212 million.
Mid last year, Sonko in a challenge and war of words with Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, produced his gold chains and rings containing diamonds to jewelers in Nairobi for testing with one of them saying that they weighed Sh7.23 million.
Sonko has also been seen cruising in high-end cars, throwing lavish parties for his children and his own, and even flaunting wads of cash online.
Five Politicians with Expensive Fashion Taste (Photos)