Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has explained his love for watches amid debate over his lavish collections.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at Masinde Muliro University on Friday, Murkomen stated that he was surprised by the mixed reactions his watch and shoe collections elicited online.
He revealed that his love for watches dates back to his childhood and family background.
Murkomen recounted receiving his first watch as a gift from his father while he was still in primary school. However, he worked hard to earn the watch and his father's praise.
"In primary school, I had a watch that was difficult to get. My father tasked me to become number one to earn it. I read until I got dizzy.
"I missed being number one with two marks. My father had mercy on me and bought me that watch. I think that is where my love for watches started. That passion and background should never make you give up," he stated.
On the other hand, he maintained that his latest collection of watches was a result of his hard work.
The online debate thus shocked him but also made him realise that his followers were recognising the milestones he had reached in his life over the years.
"I saw a debate on social media about the shoes I wear and the watch. I was really surprised. I asked my wife 'Is that me?'. I even asked my sister if that was us they were talking about. We have made it to this level," he added.
Murkomen has been in the limelight in previous months over his expensive watches and shoes.
While attending a Cabinet meeting on June 2, Murkomen wore a Hublot Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold watch, which is estimated to be around Ksh1.4 million.
On the other hand, while attending an emergency meeting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on August 26, the CS stepped out in Navy Blue Gucci sneakers valued at Ksh131,000 (USD920).
