President William Ruto’s nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s wealth, has risen by Ksh 150 million in the 21 months he has been in government.
According to Kindiki, his net worth has risen from Ksh544 million in 2022 to Ksh694 million at the current vetting.
Currently, under intense examination by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula, Kindiki has been thrust into the spotlight at a time when demands for rigorous investigations into the financial dealings of public figures are at an all-time high.
As he faces questioning from the committee, Kindiki is adamant that his wealth increase is attributable to his legal practice and not to any government dealings.
Kindiki, who appeared before the committee on Thursday, August 1, defended his financial ascent by attributing it largely to his legal firm's performance.
“The increase in my net worth comes primarily from my law practice. I have not engaged in any business with the government or applied for any tenders directly or indirectly,” he declared.
The nominee explained that a substantial portion of the rise in his net worth followed the settlement of a long-standing debt by a client of his legal firm, a notable development that contributed to the substantial leap in his wealth.
He maintained that his financial gains are exclusively derived from his legal fees and consulting work. “None of my wealth has come from public funds except my official salary and allowances,” Kindiki emphasised.
Back in 2022, during his previous vetting, Kindiki had stated that his net worth of Ksh544 million was comprised of land and buildings valued at approximately Ksh165 million, along with bank deposits and investments in shares and various savings cooperatives amounting to around Ksh50 million.
The scrutiny comes as part of a broader context of heightened vigilance over government officials’ financial statuses.
Notably, other cabinet nominees have also disclosed their net worth figures. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reported a staggering Ksh4 billion, while Public Service CS nominee Justin Muturi declared Ksh700 million.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Nominee Aden Duale reported a net worth of Ksh851 million, and Labour CS nominee Alfred Mutua declared Ksh420 million. Water and Sanitation CS nominee Alice Wahome revealed a net worth of Ksh218 million.
As Kindiki navigates this vetting process, his financial disclosures are likely to continue attracting significant public and media attention. The ongoing investigation into his wealth will be a crucial factor in determining his suitability for the Ministerial role, amid a climate of increased scrutiny and demand for transparency in Kenya’s public sector.
