First Lady Rachel Ruto is turning heads and raising eyebrows with her latest fashion statement—a stunning Rolex Datejust 41 that carries a hefty price tag of between Ksh2 million and Ksh4 million.
Seen wearing the luxurious timepiece on Friday, October 11, at the First Lady’s Mazingira Awards at Nairobi National Park, Rachel was spotted with the watch while using binoculars at the park.
The appearance comes as part of a growing trend among Kenya’s political elite, known for their extravagant taste. While President William Ruto has often made headlines for his luxury items, this time it’s his wife who’s turning heads.
Our research confirms that Rachel was wearing the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 which costs around Ksh2 million.
The luxury timepiece is an icon in its own right, boasting a 12 mm thickness and a “lug to lug” length of 47.5 mm. Its sapphire crystal dial, complete with the famous Cyclops lens, adds a touch of elegance. The watch is waterproof up to 150 metres and features a 70-hour power reserve.
Rachel Ruto’s new accessory draws parallels with her husband, President William Ruto, who has garnered attention for his own extravagant tastes. Over the past two years, the President has consistently been spotted flaunting designer items that often leave Kenyans in disbelief.
From expensive watches to luxury shoes, his penchant for high-end brands showcases a lifestyle that many admire yet question amid the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
During an event in January at Makutano town, Meru County, the President was spotted wearing a Ksh8,746,200 Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch.
Adding to his collection, the President was also spotted in a Ksh425,000 Stefano Ricci crocodile belt, widely regarded as one of the finest in the world. Acclaimed fashion magazines have highlighted the exclusivity and luxury associated with this brand, which has attracted clientele that includes global icons such as Tom Cruise and Nelson Mandela.
Further establishing his reputation for high fashion, on February 12, Ruto stepped out in Ksh178,620 Christian Louboutin shoes, renowned for their sophisticated design and premium materials.
Ruto isn’t alone in facing scrutiny for his luxury tastes. Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also drawn criticism for flaunting expensive items. In August, Murkomen revealed that he owns a watch worth Ksh900,000, a belt priced between Ksh40,000 to Ksh50,000, shoes costing up to Ksh80,000, and a Ksh20,000 tie.
Despite trying to downplay his wealth, claiming he only needs one belt every two years, his luxurious lifestyle has not gone unnoticed. Murkomen has been spotted wearing a Ksh3 million Rolex and a Ksh1.3 million Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch, along with Ksh131,000 Gucci shoes.
During the height of Gen Z protests, Kenyans criticised public officials' displays of wealth, calling it opulent and demanding an end to such extravagance.