Bolo Bespoke crowns himself the new Luo kingpin
By Steve Ireri, October 30, 2025Fashion designer and Bespoke City founder Bolo Bespoke has said that he now considers himself the new kingpin of the Luo community, a title he claims was inspired by his growing recognition following his attendance at the late Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo.
Speaking during an interview with YouTubers on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Bolo said that the days surrounding the burial changed his public image and earned him a new nickname, Mr Side by Side.
“Lately, I have a third name, which is Mr Side by Side. So feel free to call me that. And you all know that name did not just come from nowhere,” Bolo said.
The name came from social media users after he posted photos from the funeral, showing him standing close to President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with a caption celebrating the leaders for standing side by side with him during the moment.
He said that while many thought the name was meant to mock him, he has chosen to embrace it proudly. According to him, the title represents the influence he now holds and the respect he commands in the community.
“I was given that name because I am the new kingpin of the Luo community.”
He further said that many people were unaware of this development, and that he was now informing them officially that he holds the kingpin title.
“About that kingpin matter, I know most of you were not aware, but now I can officially inform you,” Bolo added.
Clout chasing
The declaration comes just days after Bolo dismissed critics who had vowed to expose him, accusing him of making Raila Odinga’s burial about himself.
During the burial, Bolo, who designed Mama Ida Odinga’s outfit for the state funeral, drew widespread criticism after sharing photos of himself standing beside President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta as they joined mourners at the graveside.
In his captions, he had expressed gratitude to the two leaders, writing that he was thankful to have had them stand by his side during the solemn event, a statement that was widely interpreted as self-flattering and out of place.
The posts immediately ignited a storm online, with some social media users accusing him of turning a national moment of mourning into a personal show of relevance.
Prominent TikTok personalities, including Nyako, weighed in, with some even suggesting that Mama Ida Odinga should distance herself from him.
Amid the backlash, Bolo later addressed his critics in a video, saying he was unbothered by the hate and that those trying to bring him down were wasting their energy.
“Naskia mko na chai yangu, hii nguvu ya uchoyo mnatoa wapi? Allow me to live a little and then, provided that I am not stepping on your foot, please do not invest so much of your feelings in my lifestyle. This is who I am from within, a simple man who rose from the gutters. I belong in the gutters, and it is what I like embracing,” he said.