President Ruto's Diplomatic Candidates Disclose Wealth Exceeding Sh1 Billion

President William Ruto's ambassadorial nominees expressed their commitment to strengthening trade relations between Kenya and their respective missions during the vetting process.

The Defense and International Relations Committee of the National Assembly conducted a two-day vetting session in which six out of the eight candidates revealed a combined net worth of Sh1.53 billion. The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, focused on strategies to achieve a favourable trade balance with the missions. Former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, nominated as the Kenyan ambassador to Cairo, Egypt, outlined his plan to prioritize the import of agricultural products particularly tea to Egypt. This move would not only enhance bilateral trade but also contribute to job creation within Kenya's agricultural sector.

Addressing allegations of inciting violence in 2017, Outa clarified that the charges against him were dropped, and he was acquitted. He assured the committee that, if approved, he would maintain diplomatic standards and promote Kenya's foreign policy objective of fostering regional and global peace, especially in the context of the tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Lt General (Rtd) Peter Mbogo Njiru, the former Kenya Army Commander and nominee for the ambassadorial position in Pakistan faced queries regarding his suitability, including the investigation into the death of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.

Njiru expressed confidence in relying on investigative organizations and the Attorney General's guidance on addressing the matter. He highlighted his 39-year military experience and the existing memoranda of understanding between Pakistan and Kenya which has facilitated extensive training and enhanced security measures through collaboration. Timothy Kaluma Mcharo, the nominee for the ambassadorial role in Algiers, Algeria, with a reported net worth of Sh71 million, pledged to establish a formal trade agreement between the two nations.

Currently, there is no official trade agreement, and Kaluma aims to facilitate an increase in trade volumes through a structured framework. Former Kisii DG Joash Maangi, with a net worth of Sh690 million and 27 years of public service experience, highlighted his achievements in conducting analyses that influenced policy changes, ultimately improving the lives of Kenyans and the overall economy. Christopher Langat, the newly appointed ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, plans to enhance trade relations, which currently have a negative impact. With the support of the Abidjan administration, he aims to establish diplomatic structures and foster bilateral relations.

While the net worth of two nominees, Lt General Jonah Mwangi, Chief of Defense Forces, and Caroline Kamende Daudi, former LSK vice chairperson, remained undisclosed, Fred Ouda admitted to owning properties in Kisii, Nairobi, and the state of Minnesota in the United States, claiming a net worth of Sh280 million. He identified himself as a rice farmer and a "hustler" with expertise in health management. As per the Public Officers Ethics Act, state officials must disclose their financial status before taking office and every two years thereafter. According to Section 26 of the Act, this disclosure should encompass the income, assets, and liabilities of the state official, as well as those of their spouse or spouses.

Additionally, any dependent children under the age of 18 belonging to the state official must also be declared. This is done to aid the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in its efforts to identify and prevent corruption within the ranks of high-ranking public servants. Before confirming an individual for a public position, Parliament reviews these declarations alongside other pertinent information.