Kimani Ichung’wa’s ‘Red Bottoms’ Spark Debate After Heated Al Jazeera Interview

Kikuyu Member of Parliament and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa found himself in the spotlight after a tough interview with Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan. 

The session, which aimed to discuss Kenya’s political and economic situation, quickly turned into a grilling session, with Ichung’wa struggling to defend the government’s policies.

However, what caught the attention of many Kenyans was not just his responses but also his expensive footwear. 

The MP was spotted wearing Christian Louboutin's famous "red bottoms," a luxury shoe brand that costs around Ksh 242,000. 

This detail did not go unnoticed, with a member of the audience highlighting it while questioning the government's spending habits.

During the interview, Mehdi Hasan pressed Ichung’wa on the state of the economy, unfulfilled promises, and the extravagant lifestyle of some government officials. 

At one point, a keen observer from the audience pointed out the high cost of the MP’s shoes while questioning the government’s alleged wastefulness.

"You know that the Kenyan public is suffering. Why are politicians flaunting their wealth? 

And why is there wasteful use of public resources to go to a latrine or a weird bridge opening when the President claims we are having austerity measures? 

By the way, very nice red bottom shoes… " the audience member remarked, receiving applause.

Ichung’wa tried to dismiss the claims, stating that many reports circulating on social media were not factual. 

He denied allegations that government officials were spending taxpayers' money irresponsibly, giving an example of claims that an official flew to Murang’a to open a pit latrine.

However, Hasan was quick to challenge him, asking, "What about what they see on social media? People can see members of Parliament flaunting their cars and expensive stuff…

Throughout the interview, Ichung’wa attempted to defend President William Ruto’s administration, emphasizing that Ruto came from a humble background and worked his way up. He insisted that coming from poverty does not mean one should remain poor forever.

When asked how many of Ruto’s 280 campaign promises had been fulfilled, Ichung’wa struggled to give a clear answer, stating, "I will not give you a straight answer of two or ten." 

This response led Hasan to comment that he was the first politician to openly admit to avoiding a direct answer.