I don’t do business with the government – Kindiki

Prof Kithure Kindiki has declared his wealth is worth Sh698 million up from Sh544 million in 2022 when he was first vetted for the position of Cabinet Secretary (CS) Interior and Coordination of National Government.

His revelation on Thursday when he was being vetted by the National Assembly’s Appointments Committee for the same position means that his wealth has upticked by a whopping Sh150 million in just two years.

He however dismissed claims of doing business with the government.

“I have neither signed for any tender in the government nor done business with it. I am worth Sh694 million," Prof Kindiki said.

Responding to the question asked by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed on why he kept quiet while Gen Zs squared it out with police during the recent protests, Prof Kindiki said "the police are under independent command.”

“There are only two people who can give Inspector General (IG) of Police directives. These people are Interior CS only on policy issues and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on matters of investigations of criminal activity," he said.

He acknowledged deaths recorded and arrests made even as he commended the police for their remarkable efforts to quell the situation in the country.

He also said it is the work of Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to investigate the rogue police.

Prof Kindiki was among the 21 CSs who were dismissed by president William Ruto.

He however, was renominated again as the CS Interior.

On the other hand, CS nominee for Health, Deborah Barasa told the committee that together with her husband, their combined wealth is Sh455 million.

Dr Barasa is among the newly appointed CSs.

On the last-minute renewal of her medical license she said “I am a qualified doctor.”

“My registration number is A6275. I have been a clinical officer from 2007 to 2020 and compliant with licence renewal. Because of the respect and coming back to Kenyan medical environment, I renewed my licence. I offer services to 22 countries in East and Southern Africa," she said.