I'm not arrogant neither do I ooze opulence, I chose to speak the truth - Murkomen

Sports Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen has defended himself against accusations of arrogance and opulence.

Speaking during his nomination hearing on Saturday, Murkomen said he was one of the gentle people he knows.

"I am not arrogant. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I am as gentle as a dove. For those who know me, who are my friends, they know that I cannot hurt a fly," Murkomen said before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments.

The former Transport CS explained that being in public service, especially as a politician, sometimes requires a firm approach, which can be misunderstood.

"The problem with public service, and particularly if you have been a politician, is that you are always confronting challenges. Sometimes, when you speak in a particular manner, it's concluded that you are arrogant. Mr. Speaker, I am not, and as a Christian, I should not be," Murkomen explained further.

Addressing claims of opulence, Murkomen expressed confusion over the term, noting that he has never gloated. He explained that he interpreted the term as referring to people who flaunt their wealth.

"I must say this with utmost respect, I do not even know what opulence means. I take it to mean that opulent people are the ones basking in wealth and modern things, showing off where they are with their families, what car they drive, and so on," he added.

Before President William Ruto dismissed his Cabinet early last month, Murkomen was embroiled in controversy for flaunting expensive clothing items from his wardrobe.

The former CS during an interview showcased a Sh900,000 watch, Sh80,000 shoes, a Sh50,000 belt, and a Sh20,000 tie, stating that his attire amounted to an average of Sh1.1 million.

His remarks sparked debate among Kenyans who are struggling with the high cost of living amid tough economic conditions. This led to calls from anti-government protesters for the President to fire his cabinet.

But on Saturday, Murkomen shared that his portrayal in the media has been misunderstood. He recounted the instance during the interview where he was asked about his most expensive attire.

"Ultimately, it wasn't careless. Mr. Speaker, I was asked a direct question: 'What is the most expensive shoe or tie you have ever worn?' Even if it was a trick, I had two choices; either to lie or tell the truth or not to answer. Mr. Speaker, I chose to tell the truth," Murkomen added.

Murkomen emphasised that his honesty was not intended to show off. "As the son of a squatter in Embobut Forest, even when we were growing up, if you get one shoe or one watch, that is your Sunday best, the one expensive thing you have," he shared.

However, the nominee once again took the opportunity to apologise to any Kenyan that he might have offended by his words or actions.

"When the President nominated me, I said that if in any way I behaved either by speech or conduct or my lifestyle in a manner that hurts any Kenyan, I apologise profusely. If any Kenyan tells me tomorrow that wearing Bata shoes will help them focus on my job, I will do so," Murkomen added.

If approved by the House, Murkomen will succeed Ababu Namwamba who was ousted by the President from the docket.