This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
Charles Njonjo, Kenya's first Attorney General, left an indelible mark on the country's history, but his legacy is marred by his colonial mindset and lavish lifestyle.
As revealed in recent days following his death, Njonjo's love for bespoke suits from London's Savile Row was a reflection of his elitist views, which he held even after Kenya gained independence.
He was known to wear stylish and expensive suits, mostly black with white stripes, with the initials 'CN' running through the entirety of the white stripes. His collection of 20 suits was a testament to his fine living and elegance.
Notably, Njonjo's suits were all imported from top-class tailors at Savile Row, a street known primarily for its bespoke tailoring for men. The high prices of these suits, starting at £3,500 (over Sh500,000), were a far cry from the struggles of the average Kenyan.
His love for these suits even led to a national controversy in 1981 when a baggage belonging to him weighing 270 kg arrived from London, and he was invoiced Sh36,272.50 for excess baggage.
As the Miller commission inquiry into his conduct revealed, Njonjo's reaction to being invoiced for excess baggage was one of disgust, further highlighting his colonial mindset.
Charles Njonjo was born with a silver spoon, and he never let go of it. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of Kenya's history and the need to confront the colonial mindset that still lingers in some quarters.
