Sports CS nominee Ababu Namwamba flaunts 2 boats as he declares Ksh.425M net worth

Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Cabinet Secretary nominee Ababu Namwamba on Friday revealed that he has an estimated net worth of Ksh.425 million.

The former Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary explained that his finances emanate from vast investments ranging from ownership of residential properties in Nairobi and Busia, land, shares and pension.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments for vetting, the flamboyant politician caused a buzz among members as he spoke of his wealth.

Ababu, who in the past served as Budalangi Member of Parliament, said that he owns two high-end vehicles as well as a pair of luxury boats.

“My net worth is Ksh.425 million. My residence in Nairobi, my country residence in Busia County, a business titled Chairs Bay, two land holdings, shareholdings in Safaricom, Cooperative Bank and Kenya Power and my pension income,” he said.

“I have two motor vehicles; a Range Rover and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and two water vessels, totalling to Ksh.425 million.”

Ababu cited a proverb from his Luhya community as he compared the love for the boatsto that of women, terming it essential.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula questioned the use of the two boats, wondering whether they were for fishing or just luxury.

 “Are those fishing boats or luxury boats or a yacht?” Wetangula posed.

In his response, Ababu said: "When you talk to anybody from the land of my natural domicile, they will tell you that we cherish our boats as much as we cherish our women...and so those are boats for private use.”