National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has disclosed that his net worth is close to Ksh.1 billion, shedding light on his financial standing amid rising concerns over the wealth amassed by Kenyan politicians. Speaking during an interview with Al Jazeera, Ichung’wah clarified that his fortune stemmed from businesses and previous employment before venturing into politics.
His remarks came in response to a question referencing National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed’s claims in August 2024, where he alleged that Ichung’wah’s net worth stood at Ksh.5 billion. However, the Majority Leader dismissed the figure as exaggerated, reiterating that his wealth was approximately USD 7.7 million (Ksh.1 billion).
“My net worth is close to Ksh.1 billion,” Ichung’wah stated during the interview.
The MP was also pressed to address the perception that Kenyan lawmakers flaunt their wealth, further aggravating citizens struggling with the high cost of living. In response, Ichung’wah downplayed the concerns, arguing that wealth accumulation should not be viewed negatively, especially for individuals who had established businesses before entering public service.
“That is perception. Don’t look at what someone is earning Vis-à-Vis others. I wasn’t born an MP, I arrived in the public scene having had another life,” he explained.
The interview, conducted by British-American journalist Mehdi Hassan, also touched on corruption in Kenya, with Hassan questioning whether Ichung’wah had ever paid a bribe. The Majority Leader firmly denied any involvement in bribery, insisting that corruption requires both a willing giver and taker.
“I have never paid a bribe in my entire life. It takes two to tango,” he stated.
Ichung’wah’s revelations come at a time when public scrutiny over lawmakers’ wealth is at an all-time high. The extravagant lifestyles of Kenyan MPs, coupled with economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, fueled the anti-government protests that shook the country between June and August last year. As debates on leadership accountability persist, Ichung’wah’s comments add to the ongoing national conversation on wealth, privilege, and governance in Kenya.
