Junet Corners Moses Kuria Over Ksh750M Net Worth

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed challenged Trade Cabinet Secretary nominee, Moses Kuria on Tuesday, October 18 with regard to his net worth, which the latter valued at Ksh750 million.

Appearing before the National Assembly's committee on appointments, Kuria based his wealth on several business sectors including real estate and fintech companies.

"My financial net worth is Ksh750 million. My net worth comprises real estate developments, shares held in unrelated companies in my business concerns, in manufacturing, fintech and in the energy sector," he said.

However, Junet cut him short by exposing him as a shareholder in petroleum dealers.

"Not to interrupt but he is the chairman of petroleum dealers, so how many shares are there?" he posed.

"I'll say as much but honourable Junet is one of my share members so I welcome that," Kuria responded.

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula interjected in the matter and affirmed that both politicians might be required to disclose their shares and figures in the companies. 

The former Gatundu South lawmaker revealed that he was born 51 years ago and went to Githuya Primary School as well as Ituru High School. He later proceeded to Thika High School for his A-levels. 

Kuria worked in Saudi Arabia before coming back to Kenya in 2007 at the invitation of the late President Mwai Kibaki to work as a consultant in his government.

He was elected as Gatundu South MP in 2014 and 2017 before he relinquished his ambitions to defend his seat in 2022, only to lose out on his bid to become Kiambu Governor. 

"I was the treasurer of the student organisation at Nairobi University. I was politically exposed from that point. I grew up under the wings of Kenneth Matiba and Jaramogi Oginga," he explained.

He affirmed that any perceived extremism or divisiveness on his side has been shaped by the kind of political culture experienced in the country. Going forward, he would play his role in ensuring that Kenyans have a culture where political competition is not enmity.

"If you go to most corners of this country, they know me as a peace-loving Kenyan committed to cohesion. In a place like Kondele, I am the second most popular person after Raila Odinga and that's on record," he bragged.

He further alleged efforts to control Parliament from outside and that if approved, he will do his best to ensure that the members of the Executive and Parliament carry out their own roles.

"I believe Parliament is a very important institution. If I am approved by this house, I will do everything possible to ensure that those of us in executive leave Parliament to do its own work," he promised.

He also assured that he will assure that Kenyans are free to do business and that he will end the turbulent times of the community's enterprises being criminalised.

CSs that have so far disclosed their value on the second day of vetting include Kithure Kindiki (Interior) revealed a net worth of Ksh544 million, Njuguna Ndung'u (National Treasury) Ksh950 million, Aisha Jumwa (Public Service) Ksh100 million and Davis Chirchir (Energy and Petroleum) Ksh482 million.

Part of the requirement of the process involves declaring one's net worth as per the law.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during the vetting of Cabinet Secretary nominees on October 17, 2022. /NATIONAL ASSEMBLY KE