Photo: Courtesy
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o, found himself deflecting a journalist’s curious question about the price of his wristwatch during a recent appearance on TV47’s show hosted by Betty Kyallo. The playful inquiry about his watch’s cost prompted Jalang’o to respond cautiously, suggesting that revealing such details could land him in trouble.
Betty Kyallo, extending a warm welcome to the MP, couldn’t help but compliment his wristwatch before diving into the light-hearted query. Jalang’o chuckled at the question, downplaying the value of his timepiece as simply “moderately priced” and possibly purchased many years ago, even joking that it could have been bought a decade or three before he entered politics.
The MP’s reluctance to disclose specifics about his watch stems from the heightened scrutiny of politicians’ lifestyles, particularly their fashion choices and possessions. In a climate where social media often amplifies public scrutiny, many Kenyans have expressed discontent over leaders displaying luxurious tastes, perceiving it as flaunting wealth sourced from taxpayers.
This tension between public sentiment and the behavior of elected officials has occasionally resulted in repercussions. Recently, the dismissal of former Minister of Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen, among others, followed President Ruto’s decision to dissolve the entire cabinet. Murkomen’s ostentatious displays, including his admission to owning a watch valued at 900,000 KES, shoes priced at 70,000 KES, and a belt nearing 50,000 KES, drew considerable criticism online.
The reaction to Murkomen’s dismissal was mixed, with some online commentators expressing approval, asserting that such displays of opulence were unbecoming for public figures entrusted with governmental responsibilities. This sentiment underscores broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public resources by elected officials.
Jalang’o’s deflection of the watch price question reflects a cautious approach adopted by many politicians amid public scrutiny, aiming to avoid perceptions of extravagance or insensitivity to public sentiment. As political figures navigate these sensitivities, the debate around conspicuous consumption and its implications continues to shape public discourse in Kenya.
