Five politicians with expensive fashion taste (Photos)
In a world where the corridors of power intersect with the high streets of luxury, a select group of politicians stands out for their unapologetic indulgence in the finer things in life. From luxury cars to designer wardrobes, these politicians show that politics isn’t just about policies and podiums; it’s also a runway for extravagant lifestyles.
Meanwhile, in a country where a significant portion of the population grapples with the harsh realities of economic hardship, with some Kenyans struggling to secure even a single meal for their tables, the extravagant displays of wealth among the political elite raise questions about the disparities in wealth and access.
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Here are the leaders who have not shied away from showing their extravagance:
President William Ruto
Since taking office, President William Ruto’s liking for luxury has been unmistakable. At a meeting in Naivasha, he was seen donning a Fredo Ferucci Crocodile Alligator bomber jacket, reportedly priced at approximately Sh1.9 million ($13,450). 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 spotted wearing shoes valued at Sh178,620.
Additionally, at last year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, he made headlines for sporting a pair of French Christian Louboutin shoes, famed for their signature red bottoms, with the average pair costing around Sh160,000. Just a few weeks before that, he was also observed wearing an exclusive Stefano Ricci belt, valued at about Sh425,000.
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Uhuru Kenyatta
In 2018, at the inauguration of the Dongo Kundu Bypass, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was seen wearing a Stefano Ricci Italian silk Paisley print shirt, valued at Sh134,000. Moreover, during the memorial service for US-based Kenyan scholar Calestous Juma, Mr Kenyatta was captured wearing a Santos 100 carbon watch, priced at $7,600 (Sh782,800).
Throughout his presidency, Mr Kenyatta’s taste for high-end timepieces was evident in his selection of watches. Notably, he was seen wearing the esteemed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, valued at Sh3,899,500, and the luxurious Patek Philippe Aquanaut, with a price of Sh3,399,900. Additionally, his choice included the Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon, listed at Sh3,200,000.
His preference for Rolex was also clear, as he sported the Rolex Submariner Green Bezel, priced at Sh855,000, alongside another Rolex Submariner, with a valuation of Sh850,000, and the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual, coming in at Sh529,200.
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Kipchumba Murkomen
Following his appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Murkomen’s preference for luxury became evident. He was frequently seen sporting a Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch, which is priced at Sh2 million. Moreover, during a press briefing after inspecting the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) offices in the wake of a power failure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Murkomen turned heads with his navy blue Gucci sneakers, valued at Sh131,000.
In the process of renewing the Aviation Security Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and the UK, Murkomen chose to sign the document with a pen that carries a price tag of Sh150,000. This was no ordinary pen, but the John F. Kennedy special edition fountain pen, a tribute to the esteemed former President of the United States.
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Ali Hassan Joho
Last year, a video on his TikTok account showcased the former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was seen donning a white Moncler Dincer jacket priced at Sh230,000, complemented by Alexander McQueen New Court Eco low-top sneakers, which have a price tag of 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.
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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.
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