Itumbi: Ruto does not always wear real designer shoes
By Paulette Mboga, October 9, 2025Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has said that President William Ruto does not always wear original designer shoes, saying even the Head of State has his own ‘plugs’.
Speaking during an interview on a local podcast on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Itumbi defended himself after being questioned about his own expensive fashion choices. The interviewer asked him why he and other public figures often felt the need to wear costly items.
Also Watch: Dennis Itumbi acquitted in fake Ruto assassination letter case
“Kwa nini huwa mnafeel lazima mvae hizi vitu expensive? Do you know it is actually African leaders? The way African leaders portray themselves and the way first-world leaders portray themselves… Recently, Amenya was here talking about how in France, politicians are not allowed to show any opulence. Like that can take your career from here to… Saa hii umevaa viatu za 175k,” the interviewer said.
In response, Itumbi explained that although the shoes may appear expensive online, he gets them at much lower prices through his personal plug.
“Nimekuambia uki Google, because you said the first thing you do is Google. Uki google itakupea 175k, but plug wangu anweza deliver under Ksh10k,” he said.
Also Watch: “The small town I bought my first pair of shoes and jeans today is a city” -Ruto
The interviewer then pressed further, suggesting that Itumbi’s shoes could be counterfeit. “So una mean ni bootleg ya China? Haina shida. But za Rais, I am sure si bootleg za China because nishawai ona the red bottom shoes,” the interviewer added.
Itumbi defends Ruto’s fashion choices
Itumbi responded by saying he could even buy the interviewer similar red-bottom shoes for a cheaper price, insisting that perceptions around designer fashion are often misguided. “I want to buy you a red-bottom shoe that is below the prices you are thinking about,” he said.
When the interviewer argued that such shoes would likely be fake, Itumbi maintained that even the President does not always wear authentic designer brands.
“Hiyo sasa itakua bootleg; the president does not wear bootlegs,” the interviewer said.
To which Itumbi replied, “You see now, it is a framing of the mind. He does actually… he has plugs…”
The exchange has reignited conversation about the lifestyle of African leaders, including those in Kenya, who are often criticised for displaying luxury through expensive watches, shoes, and designer clothes.