MP Oscar Sudi sparks online outrage after flaunting Sh17m designer watch
Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi has ignited a storm of controversy after showcasing a Sh17 million designer watch during an appearance on the Obinna Show on Thursday August 1.
The watch, a luxurious Ulysse Nardin Freak Phantom, has become the focal point of intense online debate, with critics accusing the MP of insensitivity during a time of economic hardship for many Kenyans.
Sudi, known for his often unfiltered commentary, revealed during the interview on Thursday, August 1, that the high-end timepiece was a gift from a former prime minister of another country.
“There were two of them, and I didn’t even know how much they cost,” he told Obinna who had searched the price on Google.
In the same interview, Sudi referenced a previous controversy involving Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, whose taste for luxury and obscene opulence had also raised eyebrows.
He said Murkomen, who has served as a lecturer, senator, and now a Cabinet Secretary, previously mentioned owning a watch worth Sh900,000, a revelation that drew criticism from some quarters.
“Murkomen has been a lecturer, senator for two terms, and a CS for two years, and he said his watch is worth Sh900,000. Surely, what is Sh900,000?” Sudi questioned.
He then defended his lifestyle, saying:
“Sometimes Kenyans are in the wrong. This watch was not made for trees or cows; it was made for human beings. Who do you want to wear this watch? Let’s stop being jealous.”
Sudi’s comments have sparked a mixed reaction online.
Some social media users have defended the MP, arguing that his wealth and choice of accessories are his own business.
@sarahkemunto-tr4ow posted on YouTube: “I stand with him on the watch issue that whatever luxuries are made are meant to be worn by human beings, not animals. As long as it’s not stolen money, he should not be questioned about what he wears and how he acquired it. Well done, Oscar Sudi.”
However, others have harshly criticized the MP for flaunting such an expensive item at a time when many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet.
Ja Loka, another X user, wrote, “This is a serious lack of common sense and SQ. Going on live camera to brag about wearing a watch worth $128,000 (Ksh. 16.6 million) when the nation is struggling is inexcusable, especially for a leader. Stop interviewing these morons.”
Sudi, a close ally of President William Ruto, has previously made headlines for his lavish lifestyle, including his frequent donations of large sums of money at church harambees.
His flashy displays of wealth have drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of President Ruto’s recent remarks about the need for government officials to curb their opulent lifestyles.
In June, President Ruto addressed the issue of extravagance among state officers, including MPs and Cabinet Secretaries.
In an interview at the State House, he promised Kenyans that changes would be made to reduce government spending and eliminate unconstitutional offices.
“I promise you, watch this space. Going forward you will see changes because we must do something about opulence and extravagance. We are going to take measures that will put us in the right place,” the president said.
Ruto also expressed concern about the culture of government officials carrying large amounts of cash to harambees, particularly in churches. “We are actually going to do away with harambees because when a junior state officer donates Sh20 million in a harambee, there is something fundamentally wrong. That is wrong,” President Ruto said.
During the interview, Sudi clarified that he runs various businesses in the country and that he has employed over 1500 young people.
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