Ruto’s Water CS nominee lowest with Sh31 million net worth

Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary nominee Eric Mugaa left the National Assembly Committee of Appointments on Friday in dismay after stating his net worth at Sh31 million.

“My net worth is Sh31 million Kenya shillings,” Mugaa said, responding to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Mugaa told the committee that his wealth is in the form of land, on which he does a lot of farming.“I come from a region that is engaged in farming, so I have invested in land and planted tea, coffee, bananas, and miraa,” he added.

Minority Whip Junet Mohamed asked the 32-year-old whether he owned a car, and surprisingly, Mugaa said that he chose not to.

"I have chosen to invest instead of buying a car," he said.

Wetang’ula commended him, noting that he had fared better than most of his agemates.

MPs, who were intrigued by his simple lifestyle, started debating how the CS nominee would benefit from car loans and mortgages if confirmed as CS.

Suna East MP asked the CS nominee to share his dream car, one that he would purchase if Parliament approved his nomination.

However, Speaker Wetangula objected and asked him not to answer the question.

"Mr Speaker. Thank you for protecting me, and I'll need protection in the future," Mugaa responded amid laughter from the MPs.

If approved, the nominee pledged to ensure that Kenyans have access to water, and he will work with accountability and integrity.

Mugaa told the committee that he has eight to nine years of experience in water and sanitation."

"In the process of carrying out my daily activities, I have worked at all levels, mostly in the private sector. I've worked and engaged with stakeholders in water development works as a consultant," he said.