National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has defended his wealth and integrity, declaring that he has never paid a bribe in his life.
In a candid interview on Al Jazeera's Head to Head on Thursday, February 27, the Kikuyu MP also revealed his estimated net worth, stating that he is worth around KSh 1 billion.
"Before politics, I worked in other organisations and conducted business. As a result, the notion that those in public service should not accumulate wealth should be abandoned," he asserted.
Ichung'wah's declaration came in response to journalist Mehdi Hasan, who referenced remarks by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed in August 2024.
At the time, Junet had claimed Ichung'wah's fortune was estimated at KSh 5 billion.
The lawmaker dismissed the figure, saying, "My estimated wealth is just about KSh 1 billion."
He further downplayed claims that politicians grow wealthy through government positions, emphasizing that he built his fortune before entering public office.
"That's perception. Do not compare one person's earnings to those of others. I wasn't born an MP; I came to the public scene after having another life," he argued.
Ichung'wah was also confronted about corruption in Kenya, a country where bribery is rampant, from traffic stops to government tenders. However, he stood firm in his claim that he had never engaged in the practice.
"In my entire life, I have never paid a bribe. It takes two to tango. Both the bribe sender and the bribe taker are involved," he said.
He went on to narrate an incident from his youth, revealing that he once talked his way out of a police stop when he was around 19 or 20 years old, without resorting to bribery.
"A police officer stopped me for speeding when I was 19 years old. I clarified that there was no need to pay a bribe," he said, implying that honesty and dialogue can sometimes be enough to avoid corruption.
His remarks, however, have sparked debate, given that bribery remains an everyday reality for many Kenyans.
While the interview was meant to focus on governance and economic policies, it took an unexpected turn when Kenyans noticed the Majority Leader's choice of footwear.
A viewer spotted Ichung'wah wearing Christian Louboutin Greggo Oxfords, a high-end designer shoe known for its signature red soles.
The sleek, patinated calf leather shoes retail for $1,045 (approx. KSh 129,000)-a hefty price tag that immediately triggered reactions online.
Some Kenyans saw it as a glaring contradiction: a politician defending government austerity measures while flaunting luxury fashion.
"He proved Mehdi Hasan right about politicians displaying opulence with taxpayers' money," wrote @Rustycase on X.
Another user, @ugalimafioso, quipped: "King Charles does not even wear such screaming shoes, yet a loudmouth kienyeji wants to show off that he made it. They never learn."
Not everyone was critical, with some defending his right to personal spending.
"You people are petty. Someone who earns a monthly salary north of $10,000 kuna shida akinunua kitu ya $1000? Besides, he's a businessman," posted @CdeCollinsMboha.