SAM’S SENSE: Ichung'wah's millions: Gift or graft?

A week ago, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah revealed several things he has encountered during his time in office.

In an interview on the Obinna Show, Ichung’wah said that Ksh.5 million was once delivered to him, purportedly from then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He explained that earlier that day, he had gone to see the DP to understand rumours that he and a Cabinet Secretary had misappropriated money meant for a school feeding programme.

Ichung’wah says Gachagua denied any involvement and that later that evening, the DP sent millions his way. He says he kept the money safe, taking out Ksh.1 million and donating it at a harambee that weekend.

Now, many Kenyans have drawn different meanings from that confession. But it raises serious questions.

How does money exchange hands in government? Why would a state officer send another Ksh.5 million in cash for no clear reason, only explained as, “I know you have many commitments and may need something for the weekend”?

What was the recipient expected to do with it? And what does the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission make of such revelations?

In the same interview, Ichung’wah admitted he was investing in short-stay housing units, popularly known as Airbnbs. He even encouraged Kenyans to consider investing in affordable housing units, furnishing them and renting them out for short stays.

A brilliant investment idea — except for one fundamental concern.

In 2023, the government introduced the housing levy, requiring 1.5 per cent of every employee’s salary to be deducted and remitted through the Kenya Revenue Authority to fund affordable housing. The aim was to address the shortage of dignified housing for Kenyans.

There are further concerns. An audit by the Auditor-General found that there was no feasibility study to support the affordable housing programme. The report noted that major government expenditures should be based on evidence and robust planning to ensure responsible use of public resources.

It also found no formal cost-benefit analysis, project appraisal framework or affordability threshold analysis to guide pricing and beneficiary targeting.

Should it then surprise anyone to hear calls for investors to turn these units into Airbnbs?

And given these findings, how can the Affordable Housing Board — and the government — guarantee fair access? At a time when money speaks loudly, who protects the ordinary mwananchi who genuinely needs a home?

For now, there is a sense that the Majority Leader should keep speaking. Because there seems to be much that Kenyans do not know — and perhaps need to.