Kimani Ichung'wah's Sh129k red sole Louboutins steal show in hard-hitting Al Jazeera interview

Kimani Ichung’wah’s explosive Al Jazeera appearance is making headlines for a different reason, his choice of expensive footwear.

A keen-eyed woman following the interview spotted the Majority Leader rocking a pair of shoes believed to be Christian Louboutin Greggo Oxfords, a high-end designer shoe with the brand’s signature red sole.

The shoe, crafted from patinated calf leather, goes for a cool $1,045 (approximately Sh129,000).

The sighting quickly went viral, with Kenyans debating whether a top government official should be flaunting luxury brands while the country faces economic hardship.

Ichung’wah appeared on Al Jazeera's Head to Head where he was interviewed by Mehdi Hasan, where he was grilled on some of Kenya’s most pressing issues.

The majority leader insisted that Kenya’s economic struggles were inherited from Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime and that President William Ruto is working to fix them.

The Kikuyu legislator dismissed claims that Ruto’s administration is riddled with graft, instead blaming past governments for systemic corruption.

Keep Reading

He further downplayed opposition demonstrations, calling them politically motivated and insisting the government will not be shaken.

While his words were meant to reassure the public, his expensive shoes told a different story. According to Christian Louboutin’s official website, the Greggo Oxfords are designed for a sleek and elegant appeal, featuring a thin outsole and an elongated silhouette.

For many Kenyans, this raised tough questions. Should a government leader defending tough economic policies be spotted in such an extravagant fashion? Or is it simply a personal choice?

As images of the Sh129K shoes circulated online, reactions were divided. Some Kenyans criticized Ichung’wah, saying it was insensitive for a leader in a struggling economy to wear such expensive shoes.

@Rustycase wrote, "He proved Medhi Hasan right about politicians displaying opulence with taxpayers money ...that's when he even became bored with all the useless stories he was giving."

@ugalimafioso posted, "King Charles does not even wear such screaming shoes yet a loud mouth kienyeji wants to show off that he made it. They never learn."

@sumukwokk wrote, "The shoes in the image are Christian Louboutin Greggo Oxford Cap Toe shoes, identifiable by their black leather upper and signature red soles.On the Christian Louboutin official website, the Greggo Oxford Cap Toe shoes are priced at $1,095 USD."

Others defended him, arguing that he has the right to dress as he pleases.

"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," @CdeCollinsMboha stated.

Some just found the entire situation hilarious, joking that the red soles matched the heat of the interview.

Either way, Ichung’wah’s footwear choice has become the unexpected talking point of an otherwise serious political interview.