President William Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet, replacing ministers with a combined net worth of Ksh.15.83 billion with an even wealthier team now valued at Ksh.18.613 billion. This new group includes both fresh faces and seasoned political figures, reflecting Ruto’s strategy to restore public confidence amid growing economic challenges.
Among the latest nominees are Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), William Kabogo (ICT), and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), all of whom are poised for parliamentary approval following vetting by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments. These additions come after Ruto’s recent outreach to his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, signaling a rekindling of political ties.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, doubling as Foreign Affairs CS, remains the wealthiest in the Cabinet, with a net worth of Ksh.4 billion, a figure declared in 2022 but likely to have grown during his tenure. ICT CS nominee William Kabogo follows closely with Ksh.3.01 billion, sparking debate among MPs who argue his wealth could be understated.
Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho rounds out the top three with a Ksh.2.3 billion valuation, citing assets spread across Vipingo, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Malindi. Environment CS Aden Duale, who has amassed Ksh.980 million, also stands out for his extensive asset portfolio, including land, rental properties, and livestock.
The Cabinet reflects a broader inclusion of key political allies. Notably, Raila Odinga’s appointees bring a combined net worth of Ksh.3.8 billion, led by Joho and followed by Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Treasury CS John Mbadi. Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies add another Ksh.4.3 billion, with Kabogo, Kagwe, and Kinyanjui making significant contributions.
Despite the wealth, the Cabinet faces the herculean task of navigating economic headwinds and restoring public trust. While Mudavadi and Kabogo lead in net worth, their ability to drive tangible results for Kenyans remains to be seen. For the Ruto administration, balancing wealth with performance will be the ultimate test.
