Meet Africa’s “Most Stylish Man” who Owns Over 160 Suits

A Kenyan man, James Maina Mwangi believes himself to be the smartest looking man in all of Africa, maybe even the world, and looking at his impeccably stylish outfits, it’s hard to disagree.

When he came to Nairobi, James Maina Mwangi had only one shirt and people laughed at him because they knew his father, who was an honourable but poor freedom fighter.

He asked God for something to make himself stand out, and he apparently got this flamboyant fashion style. He’s been using his brightly coloured suits and accessories to stand out on the streets of the Kenyan capital ever since and has even attracted international attention thanks to his outfits.

Mwangi, who claims to own 160 suits, over 200 pairs of shoes, and 300 hats, as well as matching accessories like pens, socks and even smartphone covers, in colours ranging from neon green to saffron yellow, has had to invest in matching face masks as well since the Covid-19 pandemic reached Africa.

Although the dozens of custom face masks weren’t exactly cheap, the self-proclaimed smartest-looking man in Africa, maybe even the world, couldn’t miss this opportunity to add to his already impressive wardrobe.

After dropping out fo school at the age of 12, because his family couldn’t afford to pay school fees, James Maina Mwangi makes a living as a Jack of all trades and sometimes lends his colourful suits to members of his church.

So where does someone get such colourful outfits anyway? Well, according to a Kenya Citizen TV news report, the 59-year-old dapper man has a faithful tailor who understands his vision and also receives unique pieces from his admirers across the globe.

A full outfit can cost anywhere from $92 to $750.

Mwangi’s attention-grabbing outfits are reminiscent of La Sape, the society of well-dressed men and women that originated in the Congolese cities of Brazzaville and Kinshasa.