Bata’s Reputation on the Line After Goliath wa Bungoma’s Custom Shoe Request Is Turned Down

Goliath wa Bungoma is known across Kenya for his huge size and gentle personality. But behind the fame is a daily struggle that few people see. He cannot easily find shoes that fit. What should be a simple shopping trip has become a long and painful journey. Now that journey has drawn a major shoe brand into the spotlight.

Goliath and his team say they reached out to Bata for help. They wanted custom shoes made for his very large feet. At first, things looked promising. The company reportedly showed interest. Measurements were taken. Discussions were held. Hopes were raised.

Then everything changed.

Months later, the team received a message saying the order would not go ahead. They were told that making such large shoes could affect the brand’s image. That answer shocked them. They felt ignored. They also felt disrespected. For Goliath, it was another closed door.

His assistant, Patrick Car Soko, says they were ready to pay for the work. They even went through several steps of testing. Still, the project was dropped without warning. He says the experience left them feeling humiliated.

Because of this, Goliath had to look elsewhere. He finally found a designer in Nigeria willing to help. The shoes were made. They fit. But they came at a high cost. He paid about KSh25,000 for just one pair. Even now, he cannot get every type of shoe he needs. Sneakers, for example, remain hard to find.

The story has since spread online. Many Kenyans are talking. Some feel Bata missed a chance to show care and inclusion. Others believe the brand could have turned this into a powerful success story. Instead, critics say it chose image over people.

For Goliath, the issue is simple. He just wants to walk in comfort like everyone else. He does not want special treatment. He wants fair treatment.

As the debate grows, one thing is clear. This is no longer just about shoes. It is about dignity. It is also about how companies treat those who do not fit the usual mold.