Monoxrome Nairobi

In May 2025, I commissioned Monoxrome Nairobi, a fashion brand I had followed online for some time, to design and deliver a custom outfit for a high-level international event in Washington, D.C., where I was scheduled to speak on a global panel. The engagement was not only time-sensitive, but symbolically important — a representation of African queer excellence on a world stage. What I received from Monoxrome was a complete breach of trust, a breach of contract, and utter disrespect.

Here’s what happened.

On or about 28th May 2025, I contacted Monoxrome Nairobi and spoke to one Hilary Mudigi, who agreed to design the outfit and deliver it by Saturday, 31st May, or 2nd June at the latest. We settled on a price of KES 28,000, and I paid a KES 20,000 deposit via MPESA to the Cooperative Bank account they provided. I sent my measurements on 29th May and even offered to pass by the studio for fitting if needed.

Then the problems began.

From 30th May onwards, I began following up — asking for a mock-up, an update, a fitting — anything. My messages were met with vague reassurances and evasiveness. I was finally told to come in for a fitting at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd June, just hours before my flight. When I arrived at the studio, the doors were shut. I called the number I’d been given (a person named Stephen Ounga) who casually informed me that the studio was closed because “the person with the key had gone for a baptism.”

A baptism.

On the day I was flying out for a professional panel I had been preparing for for months, I was standing outside a closed fashion studio, with no outfit, no options, and no explanation beyond “a baptism.” Stephen then said I’d be refunded. At the time, that seemed like the only reasonable thing left.

But even that, apparently, was too much to expect.

When I followed up again with Hilary Mudigi directly, he refused to refund me. Instead, he offered to send the outfit to D.C. after the event was already over. I explained that the outfit was no longer useful and requested a refund. I was ignored. I sent a formal demand letter on 4th June 2025, which has never been acknowledged.

To date:
• I have not seen the outfit.
• I have not received a refund.
• I have not received a single apology.
• I have not been offered any real explanation or restitution.

What I have received is silence, gaslighting, and complete disregard for my time, money, and dignity. Even after notifying them that I would take legal action, they’ve remained silent.

What makes this worse is that Monoxrome presents itself as a brand that supports art, community, and progressive values. But their actions reflect the exact opposite — negligence, dishonesty, and disrespect for working people who place their trust in them.

So this is no longer just about me getting my KES 20,000 back — though I absolutely will. This is now about calling out a pattern of behaviour that cannot go unchecked.

I am preparing to take legal action, including a claim before the Small Claims Court and a police report for obtaining money under false pretences. I will pursue the matter against Monoxrome Nairobi and Hilary Mudigi jointly and severally. I will also speak about this publicly — on social media, on legal platforms, in consumer rights spaces, and on media if I must.

To Monoxrome Nairobi and Hilary Mudigi: You were given every opportunity to resolve this respectfully and professionally. That time has passed. You will now be held accountable — legally and publicly.

To others: Do not work with Monoxrome Nairobi without a signed contract, clear timelines, and a refund policy. If they fail to deliver on their end, don’t wait — escalate.

In Kenya’s growing creative economy, we must demand professionalism, transparency, and accountability — not just style and aesthetics. Fashion without integrity is fraud, and I won’t stand for it.