Namwamba Reveals Talks With Ruto Before Picking Him For UN Role

Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba opened up on Friday, January 10, about a discussion with President William Ruto before he was nominated as Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Namwamba defended the nature of the talks, stating that it was out of respect for the Head of State to invite him for a sitting.

Namwamba, who was among the 21 Cabinet Secretaries (CS) fired by President Ruto on July 11, 2024, revealed that President Ruto had explained to him the expectations of his nominated role.

“I consider it to have been honourable, respectful and protocol that the president invited me to a sitting to discuss this responsibility before it was made public which I want to thank him for.

"I know exactly what he expects of me in this role because he personally explained it to me. I know where it ranks in his agenda and in the delivery of a better trim and I believe it is a task I would sufficiently execute,” Namwamba remarked.

Namwamba at the same time remarked that the role granted to him presented a fresh challenge and not a demotion as perceived, stating that he had considerable experience in executing the duties of the role.

“Would I consider being handed an assignment to represent Kenya in that space a demotion? No. I would consider it a reassignment. I believe that I am almost tailor-made for this position given my learning, intellectual capacity, experience and exposure," Namwamba stated.

He added, "I believe that this is a role I will execute very well and I will not require any extra motivation because of what I believe the UN and UNEP to be to the world and to the country,” he added."

At the same time, Namwamba revealed his net worth to be Ksh500 million. In 2022, the former CS estimated that his net worth was Ksh 425 million.

At the time, he revealed that his wealth included his residence in Nairobi and Busia County, a business titled Chairs Bay, two land holdings, shareholdings in a local telecommunications company and bank, Kenya Power and his pension income.

Ababu added that he owns two motor vehicles; a Range Rover and a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon—and two water vessels, bringing the total to Ksh.425 million.

This time around, he revealed that his wealth emanates from vast investments, including ownership of residential properties in Nairobi and Busia County. He added that his business interests, shareholding, and compounded pensions contribute to his total net worth.

“My finances are calculated from my two residences, one in Nairobi and the other in Busia County, as well as my business interests, shareholdings, and pensions, which have been compounded to come to a total net worth of Ksh 500,000,000,” he explained.

The committee members, led by Kinangop MP Thuku Zachary Kwenya, however, pressed Namwamba to explain his wealth in figures.

“The question is expressed that you list the sources and amounts because the amounts are known, especially on your emoluments as Cabinet Secretary. You know how much is due to you and how much is your pension,” MP Thuku said.

However, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, who chairs the committee, intervened to defend Namwamba, stating that he should provide the information later.