Nairobi, April 25 : Kenyans were stunned this week when the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary, Cs Kipchumba Murkomen, was spotted wearing an Expensive Shirt, despite his earlier pledge to cut on opulence.
Netizens have taken to Social Media to express their surprise at the amount of cash the Cs had to part with for a single shirt, especially at a time when many Kenyans are struggling to afford basic items, while members of the political class are perceived to be living opulently.
The Interior CS, appearing during an Interview at a local Media station, was spotted donning a Stefano Ricci Torino shirt worth over Ksh 194,000 ($1,500).
According to the company behind the brand, "Stefano Ricci Torino is designed for dapper dressing, this silk blend shirt offers true refinement in the contrast pattern collar and cuffs. The visual allure will ensure this shirt stands proudly out from the crowd."
A Majority of Kenyans on Social Media have expressed their disapproval at the continued opulence being displayed by the political class, while a few others defended the Interior Cs.
"We Keep borrowing more loans to finance the lifestyles of these people, public confers are being looted daily, enough is enough", Joseph stated on Facebook. "Maybe, just Maybe it's his money, he can afford it, when you are in a certain class, you have to carry yourself in a certain way, dressing included" Beth differed.
In the past, Murkomen has been pictured wearing a Rolex watch worth said to be Sh3 million, another Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch currently worth Sh1.3 million, using a pen said to be worth Sh50,000, and Gucci shoes valued at Sh131,000.
Last year, the Cs addressed the questions he had been receiving from Kenyans regarding his expensive watches and shoes, suggesting that investing the money in financial markets might have been more prudent. He hinted at reducing either his overspending or his showiness, though it was unclear what he meant when he referred to it as his weakness.
Murkomen, who was in the Transport docket at the time, opened up on several expensive things that he owns after receiving backlash from Netizens on his expensive taste. He clarified that some of the estimates given by Kenyans on his watch and shoes are exaggerated.
Murkomen, however, admitted that he owns one of the most expensive watches including one retailing at Sh900,000.
"The price of the watch I wear is very expensive to say the truth. But it is not worth the price of what people are speculating about on social media. And it is because it was sold to me by my friend," Murkomen said in an interview.
"There are two watches that have gone viral on social media. The first one I bought, it was not as expensive as they said and the second one a friend of mine, came to me, because he saw the other on social, and said " I sell watches, do you want me to sell you Rolex?' and I said yes, why not. He sold it to me at a third (30 per cent) of the price being claimed on social media. He even gave me time to pay in installments."
The CS also revealed that his most expensive shoes retail between Sh70,000 to Sh80,000. He also has a belt whose price oscillates between Sh40,00 to Sh50,000.
"I don't have to wear two belts in two years; one belt is enough. Just buy one belt for Sh50,000 that is quality and which has black and brown sides that you can alternate when wearing," he said.
On ties, the CS said he has a collection whose price ranges from Sh15,000- Sh20,000. "In life, there are things that are vanity that you find yourself ending up buying,".
The CS, however, said he has received concerns from Kenya who are questioning his love for expensive things. He pledged to shun the luxuries to enable Kenyans to focus on his key mandate so that he can be accountable to the people he serves.
"I appreciate the comments that have come from Kenyans asking why are you wearing expensive watches and shoes. And it is true. Had i invested it in the money markets to buy bonds, maybe it would have earned interest," he said.
"I want to tell all Kenyans who faulted me for wearing those watches that that is my weakness and I am willing to correct myself. If a watch or shoe is going to distract the people I serve from the key things that I must be held accountable for, I have said to my friends that the watches can stay." He added.
Kenyans have expressed on social media that the opulence displayed by some members of the political class is often seen as proceeds of corruption, obtained using public funds. Murkomen, however, insisted that he buys all his items with his own money.
Murkomen reiterated that he is ready to be audited. Earlier, he had stated that, in line with the current national conversation and to address concerns about state and public officers living beyond their means, individuals should be audited.
During his recent vetting by the National Assembly Committee on appointments for the position of cabinet secretary, Murkomen disclosed that he was worth Sh 620 million, attributed to his properties and businesses.
