Siaya Governor James Orengo on Saturday, September 9 attended his son's dowry payment ceremony, an event which was attended by a host of senior politicians.
During the ceremony, Governor Orengo was spotted wearing a Versace shirt even as he interacted with politicians, including those Kenyans did not expect to attend the event, such as National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei who is affiliated with Kenya Kwanza.
A spot check conducted by Kenyans.co.ke showed that the shirt that Orengo donned during the traditional dowry ceremony retails in excess of Ksh200,000.
According to the Versace's website, the long-sleeved silk Barocco shirt costs Ksh263,797.
The global Italian fashion brand, on the website, says that the shirt is made of 100 percent silk. Part of the reason why the shirt is expensive is that it features the Barocco print, which is popular with affluent buyers.
“Crafted from pure silk this long-sleeved button-down shirt features the signature Barocco print - a beloved house code featuring stylized acanthus leaves,” the fashion brand says in the website.
Versace doesn't have an official store in Kenya meaning that interested buyers have to import apparel from South Africa, the United States or Europe.
Governor Orengo is a sharp dresser known to have expensive taste.
In his book, ‘Peeling Back the Mask: A Quest for Justice in Kenya’ published in 2012, Lawyer Miguna Miguna claimed that the Governor once bought a shirt worth 600 Euros (Ksh94,158) and a belt worth 250 dollars (Ksh36,562). The lawyer, reiterated that position when he retweeted a post referencing his position on the book.
Orengo's son dowry ceremony was attended by political bigwigs including; Azimio chief Raila Odinga, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Shollei, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo also attended the event.
“I welcomed my brother Orengo James in Vihiga for dowry negotiations between the Orengo and Luseno families. Congratulations to Michael & Samantha for honoring your kin and culture - that which defines our heritage and unites our people.” Governor Otichilo said in a statement.
