This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
December 11, 2019, was a day Kenyans on Twitter will not forget anytime soon. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's video purchasing a Sh4.3 million Versace diamond-encrusted chain in Dubai sparked a heated debate on social media.
Just days before, Sonko had been charged in court with misappropriating over Sh357 million from the county government. The video, which has gone viral, shows Sonko admiring the chain in the company of his aides.
The sales lady then shows him the necklace, with the pendant bearing the Versace logo costing Sh2,718,817 and the chain costing Sh1,550,445.
As seen in the video, Sonko explains to the sales lady that he is a fan of gold and Versace. However, it is what he says next that has left Kenyans seething with anger.
Mr. Sonko, after hearing the total amount, says, “Mita tano bana, na Wakenya wananunua.”
Many Kenyans took to Twitter to express their outrage, with some questioning how Sonko could justify such an expensive purchase when many Kenyans struggle to make ends meet.
