Sh600m: Sakaja's CEC nominee who is richer than 16 members of President Ruto's Cabinet

Stephen Gathuita Mwangi has a net worth of Sh600 million. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's CEC nominee for Build Environment and Urban Planning Stephen Gathuita Mwangi is richer than 16 members of President William Ruto's Cabinet.

Appearing before Nairobi MCAs on Tuesday, December 6 during vetting, Gathuita said he has a net worth of Sh600 million, which would place him at Position Nine in Ruto's Cabinet when it comes to wealth.

The only wealthier people in the president's Cabinet are Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi (Sh4 billion), Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi (Sh1.2 billion), Cooperatives CS Simon Chelugui (Sh993 million), Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u (Sh950 million), Defence CS Aden (Sh851 million), Trade CS Moses Kuria (Sh750 million), Attorney-General Justin Muturi (Sh700 million) and ICT minister Eliud Owalo (Sh650 million).

Gathuita was the first to appear before the Nairobi County Assembly's Committee on Appointments.

He said he raised the Sh600 million from assets, a survey company, rental property and salary from his 40-year career as an officer of the Nairobi city council.

"Most of my money, however, comes from my survey company," he told the MCAs.

Gathuita further said that for the 40 years that he had served in the Nairobi city council, he had been on contract, and not permanent and pensionable terms.

Gathuita said if approved, he'll tackle the issue of land-grabbing in the city, claiming politicians were notorious for unlawful occupation of people's property.

On the issue of buildings collapsing due to poor workmanship and use of substandard equipment, the urban planning CEC nominee said he'll prioritise civic education on the importance of seeking approvals before embarking on construction.