Ruto’s Cabinet combined net worth hits Sh18 billion, who holds the most wealth?

President William Ruto's new Cabinet is not just making headlines for its political significance, but also for the enormous wealth held by its members.

With a combined net worth of Sh18 billion, this group of Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) is among the richest in Kenya's history.

The wealth of these leaders, who are set to steer key ministries, is making waves across the country.

The newly appointed team includes heavyweights like Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), William Kabogo (ICT), and Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) who were approved by the National Assembly on Thursday, following their nomination and vetting and have already been gazetted.

Their net worths add a substantial amount to the total wealth of the Cabinet, with the three newcomers contributing significantly.

They will form part of a high-profile group already declared to have a combined worth of over Sh18 billion, noting that there is still a vacancy in the Gender, Culture, The Arts & Heritage ministry.

The ministry has been without a CS since one Stella Soi Lang'at was rejected by the National Assembly Appointment Committee last year in August.

President Ruto's reshuffle in July 2024, which saw the replacement of his Cabinet, created a buzz due to the immense wealth disclosed by the ministers.

At the time, the total value of the Cabinet's combined net worth was estimated at Sh15.83 billion.

Figure raised

The current reshuffle, however, has raised that figure by approximately Sh3 billion, highlighting the opulent nature of the government's leadership.

Among the wealthiest of the Cabinet members is Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who heads the Foreign Affairs docket. His declared net worth stands at a staggering Sh4 billion, making him the richest Cabinet member.

ICT CS nominee, William Kabogo, comes in second with a net worth of Sh3.01 billion. This includes real estate holdings, cash, and shares.

Despite some scepticism regarding his flamboyant image, Kabogo's fortune is indisputable, though some MPs believe his assets could be higher than declared.

Another notable figure is Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Ali Joho, who has amassed wealth totalling Sh2.3 billion.

His fortune includes various properties in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Malindi, in addition to shares in family-owned businesses and cash at the bank.

Joho's wealth as he declared during his vetting is largely attributed to his investments in real estate.

Environment CS Aden Duale, who has been in politics for over two decades, follows with a reported net worth of Sh980 million.

His wealth has seen a notable rise from the Sh851 million he declared in 2022.

Duale's assets include land, cattle ranches, rental properties, and motor vehicles.

Mercy Wanjau, the Secretary to the Cabinet, was the first woman to declare her wealth in this Cabinet, with a net worth of Sh475 million.

This amount includes land, buildings, agricultural investments, and vehicles.

Among other prominent figures are Public Service CS Justin Muturi who reported his wealth at Sh801 million, an increase from Sh761 million during his last vetting.

Julius Ogamba who heads the Education Ministry declared a net worth of Sh790 million.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated his wealth at Sh694 million when he was vetted as the CS for Interior, which includes two homes and a fleet of vehicles, marking an increase from Sh544 million.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen declared a net worth of Sh620 million, up from Sh550 million in 2022.

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya revealed his wealth at Sh600 million, while Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi reported a net worth of Sh530 million, including cash, real estate, and farms.

Transport CS nominee Davis Chirchir's wealth grew to Sh509.8 million from Sh482.2 million.

Dr Deborah Barasa who leads the Ministry of Health disclosed her net worth at Sh455 million.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano reported her net worth at Sh444 million, up from Sh397 million during her last vetting.

Labour CS nominee Alfred Mutua disclosed an increase in his net worth to Sh462 million from Sh420 million in 2022.

Treasury CS nominee John Mbadi stated his wealth at Sh380 million.

Lands nominee Wahome disclosed a net worth of Sh337.65 million, reflecting an increase of Sh119 million during her tenure.

Defence nominee Tuya reported her net worth at Sh243 million, an increase from Sh156 million in 2022.

Transport CS Salim Mvurya revealed his wealth at Sh158 million, an increase of Sh38 million over two years.

Eric Muuga, the Water CS nominee, has the lowest reported net worth at Sh31 million, primarily in land holdings.

All disclosures align with the requirements of the Public Officers Ethics Act.