President William Ruto has found himself at the centre of a heated debate after being spotted wearing what is alleged to be a KSh 6.2 million designer jacket while inspecting a wheat farm.
The luxury piece, reportedly a lambskin and crocodile blouson from Italian brand Stefano Ricci, has triggered widespread outrage among Kenyans grappling with economic hardship.
The controversy erupted after political commentator Aoko Otieno shared photos of the president in the field, suggesting the jacket matches one retailing for $48,350 on the designer’s website. Although the State House has not confirmed the brand or price, the images quickly went viral, sparking debate across social media platforms.
The timing of the appearance—coming just weeks after deadly protests over the high cost of living—has deepened public resentment. Many Kenyans saw the alleged extravagance as a stark contrast to their daily struggles.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), users expressed their frustration. “Yaani ameva mita sita?? Na sina hata breakfast,” one user posted, capturing the sense of anger and helplessness. Others questioned whether the money could have been used to build schools or support struggling sectors.
Critics accused the government of being out of touch, with some linking the incident to allegations of corruption. References to previous scandals and the perceived misuse of public funds surfaced, reinforcing a growing narrative of disconnected leadership.
Memes and sarcasm dominated online conversations, but beneath the humour lay serious calls for accountability and transparency. Whether or not the jacket truly costs KSh 6.2 million, the incident has amplified frustrations over inequality and leadership priorities during a time of national economic distress.
By Newshub