Kenya is abuzz with controversy after President William Ruto was recently photographed inspecting a wheat farm while wearing what many claim to be a Sh6.2 million designer jacket.
The garment, described as a lambskin and crocodile blouson and believed to be a piece from Italian luxury brand Stefano Ricci, has triggered widespread anger on social media, with citizens questioning the president’s sensitivity to the current economic crisis gripping the nation.
The uproar began when social commentator Aoko Otieno shared images of the president in a wheat field, alleging that the blouson he wore matches one retailing for $48,350 (about Sh6.2 million) on Stefano Ricci’s website.
While there has been no official confirmation of the jacket’s exact model or cost, the mere suggestion was enough to ignite a firestorm online, particularly given the current socio-economic climate.
The timing of these photos and their associated allegations struck a raw nerve across the country—especially in the wake of the devastating June 2025 protests, where many lost their lives while demonstrating against economic injustices and the rising cost of living.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
On X (formerly Twitter), the reaction was swift and furiously critical. @Ja_tello1 exclaimed, “Yaani ameva mita sita?? Na sina hata breakfast kumamaye,” a poignant remark highlighting the deep frustration of many Kenyans who are struggling to put food on the table.
@SenatorAbdi05 echoed the same phrase, reinforcing the widespread sentiment that the president appears profoundly disconnected from the daily realities of ordinary citizens facing hardship.
Critics quickly linked the alleged extravagance to deeper, more systemic issues of governance and corruption. @rgc99f2byt accused the administration of “killing every sector” while simultaneously enriching political allies, a common accusation in Kenya’s political discourse.
@thee_alfa_house went further, tweeting: “More than 100 Billion looted. You gettin’ where Kenyans’ taxpayers money goin’ to?” implying a direct link between luxury spending and alleged misuse of public funds.
Others pointed out the glaring disconnect between the leadership and the suffering citizenry. @Jbm_Evan wrote, “Totally out of touch with the suffering of Kenyans,” while @LensuMotors lamented, “Yaani president haezi hurumia watu anaongoza. Hio pesa si atujengee shule?”—questioning why such vast sums of money couldn’t be redirected toward improving essential public services like school infrastructure in neglected areas.
Some users specifically targeted state messaging and perceived propaganda. @DexxieDexxy mocked earlier reports that a Sh1.2 billion church would be funded from the farm’s proceeds, tweeting sardonically: “They want to lie to us that the 1.2B church will be built by the proceeds of this farm. Wajinga wameisha Kenya.”
Comparisons to former President Uhuru Kenyatta also emerged, with @MumoMwas noting that even during his visits to enterprises like Brookside or Northlands, Uhuru never appeared to flaunt wealth.
“Ata uhunye hakua anapiga picha pale Brookside. EQ onge,” he wrote, suggesting that a lack of emotional intelligence in leadership is becoming increasingly apparent.
A wave of memes and sarcastic humour has inevitably followed the controversy. The phrase “Yaani ameva mita sita??” has quickly become a rallying cry of satire across social media.
Beyond the humour, more serious concerns about transparency and misuse of public funds were raised, with implicit references to ongoing scandals, including at the Kenya Ports Authority.
@PoliticalWatcherKE pointedly questioned how such an expensive item could be afforded: “Is this from his salary or something else? #Investigate.”
As @HopefulKenyan succinctly put it: “This is why we march—leaders must feel our pain, not flaunt wealth.”
Whether the jacket truly costs Sh6.2 million or not, it has undeniably become a lightning rod for broader frustrations over economic disparity, governance standards, and the pressing need for public accountability.
By Geoffrey mbuthia
