Kipchumba Murkomen, the cabinet secretary for transport, is no stranger to the appeal of high-end style.
Murkomen has constantly drawn attention to himself with his expensive dressing choices, from watches and pens to high-end footwear, leaving many amazed by the investment in his wardrobe.
Regarding taste in luxury, Murkomen is on par with former governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, Mike Sonko, and Ali Hassan Joho, being one of the stylish politicians.
In a recent interview on the Obinna Show, Murkomen clarified that Kenyan estimates on his watch and shoes are exaggerated, admitting to owning a high-end watch, including one worth 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 with Obina TV.
“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,” he said.
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 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.”
Here are other lavish items that have been part of Murkomen’s collection:
Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch
On multiple occasions, Murkomen has been spotted wearing his Hublot watch.
The company’s website describes it as having a “satin-finished and polished 18k king gold finish, complemented by 6 H-shaped titanium screws.”
Navy blue Gucci sneakers
Last Saturday, during his visit to the Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) offices following a power outage at the country’s premier Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Murkomen caught the eye with his navy blue Gucci sneakers.
These stylish sneakers, priced at Sh131,000, were perfectly matched with a black collared T-shirt and light grey trousers.
Gucci offers these sneakers in four colors: blue, black, beige, and brown. Crafted in Italy, they feature “black and blue leather trims, blue perforated leather accents, an interlocking G motif on the back, a rubber sole, an additional lace set, a lace-up front, a mid-heel, and stand at a height of 2.2 inches.”
John F. Kennedy special edition burgundy fountain pen
While formalizing the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aviation Security between Kenya and the UK, Murkomen opted to use a pen valued at Sh150,000.
This particular pen, the John F. Kennedy special edition fountain pen, pays homage to the renowned former U.S. President.
MontBlanc, the brand behind this exquisite writing instrument, elaborates on its design elements symbolizing aspects of Kennedy’s life. The pen’s burgundy hue reflects Kennedy’s iconic Ivy League fashion, a nod to his days at Harvard University. Furthermore, his initials, “JFK”, are intricately engraved on the gold-coated clip, while the three golden cap rings represent his three brothers.
