Mvurya: How two-term governor's Sh120m compares to other politicians in Ruto Cabinet

Mining Cabinet Secretary nominee Salim Mvurya during vetting by MPs on October 22, 2022. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Salim Mvurya has said that he has a net worth of Sh120 million.

The former Governor of Kwale County told the National Assembly's Committee on Appointments on Saturday, October 22 that his wealth was in the form of land, houses, savings and vehicles.

Mvurya is the pioneer governor of Kwale County, serving between March 2013 and August 2022.

The ex-county chief's Sh120 million net worth is dwarfed by politicians who have made it to President William Ruto's Cabinet nomination list.

Prime Cabinet Secretary nominee Musalia Mudavadi, who previously served as Sabatia MP, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of Kenya, placed his net worth at Sh4 billion.

Former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, who, like Mvurya, served between 2013 and 2022, said his net worth was Sh420 million.

Former Meru Senator Mithika Linturi (Agriculture CS nominee) said his net worth was Sh1.2 billion.

Former Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa (Gender CS nominee) placed her net worth as Sh100 million.

Former Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba (Sports CS nominee) revealed his net worth as Sh425 million.

Alice Wahome, the current Kandara MP who is destined for the Water ministry, said her net worth was Sh218 million.

Nominated Senator Soipan Tuya and former Narok Woman Representative (Environment CS nominee) said her net worth was Sh156 million.

Former Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki (Interior CS nominee) disclosed his net worth as Sh544 million.

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale (Defence CS nominee) said his net worth was Sh851 million.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport CS nominee) said his net worth was Sh550 million.

Peninah Malonza, the deputy governor of Kitui County between 2013 and 2017, said her net worth was Sh300 million.

Eliud Owalo, former Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi's aide, destined for the ICT ministry, said his net worth was Sh645 million.

Former Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu (Education CS nominee) said his net worth was Sh590 million.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Siakago MP Justin Muturi (Attorney-General nominee) placed his net worth as Sh700 million.

Former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (Trade CS nominee) said his net worth was Sh750 million.

Zacharia Mwangi Njeru, a former councilor in Nakuru County, who is destined for Lands ministry, placed his net worth as Sh80 million.

About Salim Mvurya

Mvurya was elected as the Governor of Kwale County in 2013 on an ODM ticket before decamping to Jubilee in 2017.

He won the August 8, 2017 re-election bid on Jubilee Party ticket.

Mvurya pursued an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness Management at the Egerton University. He also holds a Master's Degree from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.

He has worked for different companies as a research assistant, field officer and manager.

In the year 2000, he worked with the Plan International as a programmes officer and later manager.

During the vetting by MPs on Saturday, October 22, Mvurya said he'll prioritise digitisation of the process of applying for mining licenses in Kenya.

"Those seeking mining licenses do not have to run around looking for people in hotels so that they can buy meals for them to get the needed licenses," he said.

He further pledged to work with Parliament to create laws that would allow for Kenyans to get hefty compensation should multinationals take their land for mining purposes.