Ali Hassan Joho’s KSh 23 Million Richard Mille Watch That Turned Heads

Former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has long been associated with a taste for high-end fashion and luxury accessories, including some of the world's most prestigious watch brands.

In July 2019, Joho attracted considerable attention after sharing a photograph in which he appeared wearing a Richard Mille Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph. 

Reports at the time estimated the value of the timepiece at approximately KSh23.2 million, based on an international price of £179,995 before additional costs.

The watch is part of Richard Mille's RM011 Felipe Massa line, developed in collaboration with Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa. The RM011 was introduced in 2007 and became one of the Swiss manufacturer's best-known chronograph models.

Unlike an ordinary timepiece, the Richard Mille model combines a flyback chronograph with an annual calendar and an oversized date display. 

Its skeletonized design also allows parts of the mechanical movement to be visible through the dial, reflecting the brand's focus on technical engineering and motorsport-inspired design.

The flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted quickly, while the watch's design draws heavily from Formula One technology. 

Auction records describe various Felipe Massa RM011 models featuring titanium or other advanced materials, automatic movements and specialized chronograph functions.

Joho's appearance with the watch generated significant discussion online, with many Kenyans expressing surprise at the reported price. Some questioned the cost of such a luxury accessory, while others speculated that the watch could have been a replica. 

Importantly, the reported valuation was based on published market information at the time and does not by itself establish the actual purchase price or authenticity of the specific watch worn by Joho.

The Richard Mille was not the only expensive timepiece associated with Joho. Earlier reports also noted that he had been seen wearing a Hublot Big Bang Rose Gold, which was estimated at more than KSh 2 million at the time.

The Richard Mille Felipe Massa, however, remains one of the most eye-catching watches linked to the former Mombasa governor. 

With its motorsport-inspired engineering, distinctive tonneau-shaped case and highly technical mechanical movement, the timepiece illustrates why Richard Mille watches command exceptionally high prices among collectors.