'I'm worth Ksh.690M,' Former Kisii DG Maangi Tells Parliament

The Committee interviewed 5 nominees today Ms. Catherene Kirumba Karemu who is proposed to be the high commissioner in the United Kingdom, former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi proposed to head the high commission on Uganda, Former West Pokot woman Representative Lillian Tomitom, proposed to be high commissioner in Zambia, Lt General (Rtd) Jonah Mwangi is heading to Tehran in Iran and Caroline Kamende Daudi that is headed to Ottawa Canada.

Maangi faced the most questions on his integrity having been investigated by the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission over corruption allegations. However, the office of the Director of Prosecution declined to charge him.

“Being a high commissioner is such an important role, why would you not step aside and clear your good name before being appointed?” Posed Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan.

However, Maangi insisted he was an innocent man and blamed the investigation on the political with-hunt following the last general elections.

Maangi told the committee, that the company that he is associated with built houses for the government and handed them over, and despite the dispute that arose, his company won the case up to the appeals court.

“I am 100% sure that I am innocent, this was some kind of witch hunt; I am a good citizen in good standing, and ready to serve, I have not been charged in any court of law.’’ He told the committee.

Members of the Nelson Koech-led committee were also surprised at the amount the former deputy governor made last year, having only a net worth of Ksh 690 million shillings. 

He explained, however, that it was because he received a one-off payment that was pending for a while.

“I said exactly what I made last year, there was a little bit of a hike because I was paid what I was owed over a period of time is was a one off lump sum payment.”

“Some of the properties are not income generating, I own three homes, one in Kisii, one in Nairobi and one in Minnesota where my children live, all those are not income generating.” He defended himself.

On her part, Karemu was hard-pressed to explain how she would serve as a strategic partner in London with little or no skills in diplomacy. 

"I have been in a business of relationships, I have been managing people, I have been managing companies, ask any of my referees, whenever I have been, I have been changed, and I don’t see this appointment any different, I promise you, I will deliver," she assured the committee.