My net worth is close to Ksh.1 billion - Kimani Ichung'wah

Speaking during an Al Jazeera interview, Ichung'wah explained that he had amassed his wealth from various businesses and organisations he had worked prior to his political career. 

He disregarded the question by award-winning British-American journalist Mehdi Hassan, who referenced National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed's remarks in August 2024, where he quoted Ichung'wah's net worth figure as Ksh.5 billion. 

The Majority Leader dismissed the claims and reaffirmed his worth was close to 7.7 million US dollars. 

"My net worth is close to Ksh.1 billion," he said. 

The MP was also taken to task to explain why Kenyan lawmakers, considered among the wealthiest MPs globally, often flaunt their wealth, much to the chagrin of the common mwananchi. 

Ichung'wah claimed that the leaders regretted committing such actions, especially at a time when Kenyans are grappling with the high cost of living. 

"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. 

"I worked in other organisations before politics and did business over the years. Therefore, the perception that people in public service should not amass wealth should stop."

Hassan, known for his hard-hitting questions, did not relent on Ichung'wah as he pressed him on the state of corruption in the country, particularly enquiring if he had ever paid a bribe. 

"I have never paid a bribe in my entire life. It takes two to tango. It takes the bribe taker and the bribe giver. Why are policemen taking bribes? Because the drivers are on the wrong, maybe they're speaking on the phone," he stated. 

"I have been stopped by a policeman for speeding, unfortunately, I was 19 years old. I explained myself out of the situation, you will never need to pay a bribe," he said.

The opulence by Kenyan MPs added fuel to the fire during the anti-government demonstrations that rocked the country from June to August last year.