Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly apologized for his conduct while serving as Roads and Transport CS.
Murkomen acknowledged his past mistakes and asked for forgiveness, committing to be a humble leader. He addressed the public’s condemnation of his opulent and flashy lifestyle, which had sparked significant controversy.
“The last two weeks have been moments of deep reflection. I would like to unreservedly apologize to every Kenyan who I may have offended through my words, my deeds, and my conduct, including my lifestyle, in the last two years of my public service,” Murkomen stated.
Why the Kipchumba Murkomen Self-Reflection Was Overdue
Before cabinet was dissolved, Murkomen was widely criticized for flaunting his wealth. Which includes imported designer suits, Gucci shoes, and a Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch.
Here are four examples of his opulence that Murkomen openly discussed on Obinna TV:
- Designer Shoes: “My shoes may be worth Ksh.70,000 and Ksh.80,000.”
- Luxury Belt: “The belt is priced between Ksh.40,000 and Ksh.50,000,” which he said he would “wear for 2 years” because it is brown on one side and black on the other and he can exchange it.
- Expensive Watch: He mentioned that the most expensive watch he owns, which “I bought with my own money, is priced about Ksh.900,000.”
- High-End Ties: Murkomen’s ties were valued at Ksh.20,000 each.
The tone-deaf politician, who seemingly cannot read the room, advised Kenyans not to wear all their flashy belongings on the same day. He said he likes to balance the Ksh.900,000 watch by wearing suits worth Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.30,000.
His remarks sparked a debate among Kenyans, who are grappling with high living costs. The controversy contributed to calls from anti-government protesters for President Ruto to fire his cabinet.
Now that he has been nominated for Sports CS, Murkomen thanked President Ruto for the opportunity to serve. He will replace the ousted Ababu Namwamba.
“I am honored and grateful to have been nominated by President Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. Thank you, Mr. President, for this incredible opportunity to serve our great nation, Kenya,” he said.
He pledged to serve with humility and accountability if approved by Parliament.
By Vivian K.
