Interior and National Administration Cabinet nominee Kithure Kindiki has revealed that his net worth is about Kes694 million, an increase from Kes 544 million declared during his vetting in October 2022.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for vetting, Kindiki explained that his revenue emanated from various businesses and revenue from his law firm, which has recently increased his net worth.
“First let me start by saying I have not benefitted from any improper business. I have not done any business with the government. Most of the increment is because of three things, legal fees which were pending and I also do small businesses.”
Kindiki was the first to take the stand in vetting President William Ruto’s cabinet nominees, where MPs took him to task on his 21-month tenure before he was fired.
The committee tasked him to explain security lapses and assertions on extrajudicial killing and abuse of power during his tenure.
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He defended his work since he took office in October 2022 saying the security issues that have bedeviled the country including terror attacks in Lamu and Northern Kenya as well as banditry in Northern Kenya have reduced significantly.
“I can account for each day in my stay in the office. I believe am suitable for reappointment during those 21 months. I have been able to keep the country safe from terror attacks. in the past two years we have had suitable in northern Kenya and Lamu,” Kindiki told MPs.
Minority Leader Junet Mohammed queried him on the use of police excessive force during the Azimio La Umoja demonstration as well as the Anti-Finance Bill protests where dozens of people were killed while others were injured.
Kindiki responded by saying that the National Police Service did its best to restore order during the protests, saying the baton now lies with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to deal with any officer who operated outside the law.
“The police did their best and if any officers went beyond what is allowed in terms of use of force its up to IPOA and other accountability organizations to help the country come to closure of the matter,” he said.
At least four police officers so far are to face prosecution for shooting and killing protesters over the last four weeks amid rising calls for justice for victims of the alleged excessive use of force.
Kindiki explaining security agencies would have no say in the matter unless the shooting was an operational order.
“The accountability of IG is on the operational order whether it met the requirement of the law. I commend the officers who help the country to come to terms on what happened,” the nominee stated.
