Footwear manufacturer Bata reportedly declined a request to produce custom-made shoes for Bungoma-based internet personality Goliath wa Bungoma, citing concerns that the extra-large footwear could affect its brand image.
Speaking during an interview with YouTuber Oga Obinna, Patrick Car Soko, who accompanied Goliath in seeking the deal, claimed the company initially agreed to manufacture the shoes before later withdrawing.
“Bata promised to manufacture shoes for Goliath wa Bungoma. After several months, they declined, claiming it would ruin their brand. We shall never forget their humiliation,” Patrick said.
According to Patrick, the team made several follow-ups with the company and was prepared to meet the costs involved. He said they even underwent a measurement and testing process in anticipation of the order.
“They promised to give us shoes in six months. All of a sudden, they emailed us saying they could not proceed. The shoes he is wearing now, we paid KSh25,000 for. They took us round, and I think they had their own reasons,” he added.
Goliath wa Bungoma also recounted the experience, saying they visited the company three times but were unsuccessful in securing the custom footwear.
“We went to Bata three times, and they refused,” he said, noting that finding shoes in his size has remained a persistent challenge.
He revealed that he has since turned to a Nigerian designer who agreed to create custom shoes that fit him. However, he admitted that he still struggles to access certain types of footwear, particularly sneakers, due to size limitations.
