Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Narc Kenya Boss Martha Karua disclosed their fortune on Tuesday, July 19 during the deputy presidential debate held at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA).
Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, and Azimio’s running mate Martha Karua declared their fortune as Ksh.800 million and Ksh.150 million respectively.
Moreover, Karua claimed that three of Gachagua’s personal accounts were frozen in May 2020 on suspicion of money laundering at Rafiki Microfinance Bank.
However, the Mathira MP dismissed the allegations made by Karua saying his wealth is clean.
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Gachagua further rebuffed Karua’s claims and explained the source of his wealth which he says he made during his endeavors as an astute businessman, years before he joined Mt. Kenya politics.
“My account did not receive Ksh.5 billion; that is propaganda. The money that I have is well documented. This is money I made during the reign of Mwai Kibaki when the economy was thriving. I made over Ksh.200 million and invested in an account and that account has been running for the last 8 years,” he said.
Likewise, DP Ruto’s running mate also explained that he amassed the Ksh.200 million currently held in his frozen accounts during different periods of his career.
“I have 200 million that is the money that is held. Ksh.64 million I worked in the Ministry of Lands and settlement, Ksh.10 million in Kenya Power, Ksh.33 million I got during my time in the Ministry of Livestock, another Ksh.46 million I worked in an organization called Batek… I am worth Ksh.800 million minus the Ksh.200 million they are holding,” he explained.
Similarly, Martha Karua stated that she was worth Ksh.150 million which is Ksh.94 million more than the wealth she declared in 2013.
“I think just around Ksh.150 million and this is because the Ksh.56 million I had declared in 2013 has appreciated because of inflation.” Karua stated
Karua further reported that she has not acquired any new property. Moreover, the Narc Kenya leader added that she is not thirsty for land and worldly goods.
“If you are looking for Martha Karua to be a billionaire then no, I am not hungry for billions,” she added.
Furthermore, the Azimio Presidential running mate noted that having public officials declare their wealth may serve as a powerful tool to prevent corruption. She also added that it would help in detecting illicit enrichment among corrupt government officials.
“I believe as leaders we have to be accountable and that is why there is declaration of wealth so that once you enter office people can know how much you are worth and as you exit, they can monitor and see how you are progressing, whether it is your salary or business it has to be ascertained,” she said.
