I'm Not a Billionaire, Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero Says as He Reveals His Net Worth

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has dismissed claims by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that he is worth more than Sh9 billion.

Kidero says his wealth stands at Sh563 million and has accused EACC of over-valuing his assets and erroneously listing him as the owner of some prime properties owned by other persons.

The politician says 15 of the 75 prime properties the commission claims belong to him are owned by other individuals. He admits to owning the remaining 60, whose combined value he says is Sh563.9 million.

EACC said it is investigating several properties registered under Kidero's name worth a whooping Sh9 billion and which it believes he acquired through dubious means during his tenure as Nairobi Governor and as Mumias Sugar Managing Director.

Kidero further says that the Sh200 million in one of his bank accounts that the anti-graft body is investigating was a loan, which he deposited in the said account.

He denies that Yala Towers in Nairobi’s city centre, 50 residential units in Kilimani, a house in Lavington, seven apartments, a town house in Kisumu and eight high-end cars listed by EACC belong to him.

“It is apparent that the investigations herein are but a fishing expedition. It is no wonder the EACC is purporting to investigate all my properties including the ones acquired as early as 1987," Kidero said.

“EACC has assumed jurisdiction to investigate me when I was not a State officer and, in so doing, usurping the role of the National Police Service. EACC does not have jurisdiction to investigate private citizens except in cases of alleged bribery as provided for by the Bribery Act,” Kidero adds.

Kidero further claims that the millions of shillings wired to his bank accounts between 2011 and 2013 were donations from supporters who backed his bid for Nairobi Governor.

“A mere search would reveal the owner of any immovable property within Kenya. However, EACC, while purportedly investigating me, has maliciously failed to take the most basic step in ascertaining ownership of property and, to that end, it ought to be castigated by this court.”