Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has opened up about his penchant for luxury items, admitting to owning a Ksh900,000 watch, Ksh70,000 to Ksh80,000 shoes, and Ksh20,000 ties.
In an interview with Obinna TV, Murkomen clarified that while the price of his watch is very expensive, it is not worth the exaggerated estimates circulating on social media.
He explained that he bought the watch from a friend at a discounted price.
“There are two watches that have gone viral on social media. The first one I bought 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 media, 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 of the price being claimed on social media. He even gave me time to pay in installments.”
The Transport CS also revealed that his most expensive shoes retail between Ksh70,000 to Ksh80,000, and he owns a reversible belt priced between Ksh40,000 to Ksh50,000.
“I don’t have to wear two belts in two years; one belt is enough. Just buy one belt for Ksh50,000 that is quality and which has black and brown sides that you can alternate when wearing,” he said.
Murkomen’s tie collection ranges from Ksh15,000 to Ksh20,000 each.
“In life, there are things that are vanity that you find yourself ending up buying,” he said.
He acknowledged receiving concerns from Kenyans questioning his love for expensive items and pledged to curb his luxurious spending to remain focused on his key responsibilities and 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.”
