The richest politicians in Kenya have traditionally been the most influential in the country. This is because Kenya is a place where money buys votes, and the wealthy have all the power to sway public opinion.
Ideally, some wealth is necessary to qualify one to become a politician. Wealth is a key part of success, and success is a key selling point for anyone who wants to attain public office, which often includes the making of key decisions and the management of public funds.
People often believe that a person who has attained success in his previous endeavors can replicate that success in public office, therefore making things better for the people. In Kenya that is not always the case.
Top 10 Richest Politicians In Kenya
1. Uhuru Kenyatta
Net Worth: $600 Million
Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of the first president of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta. He too is a former president of the country, and he has also held other important political offices in Kenya. Uhuru Kenyatta is one of the richest politicians in Kenya, he is also one of the most influential.
He is estimated to be worth around $600 million; his investments are in the media, banking, food processing, real estate and so on. His family is estimated to be worth around $3 Billion, and he is the scion of the family.
Uhuru Kenyatta is a very hard working and prudent man, but his wealth ultimately comes from corruption. The foundation of the wealth his family enjoys today comes from the corruption of his father as president of Kenya.
2. Raila Odinga
Net Worth: $500 Million
Raila Odinga is one of the most prominent political figures in Kenya. He has held a variety of political offices, some of which are Prime Minister of Kenya, Member of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition, and the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
Raila Odinga is estimated to be worth around $500 million; and the money comes primarily from his long and distinguished political career. Of course, said money will have to be invested for it to multiply, and Raila Odinga has done just that by investing in Energy, Petroleum, Manufacturing, Equipment Construction, Real Estate, and so on.
He has built quite a formidable business empire, with his children playing key roles in the management of the businesses.
3. Gideon Moi
Net Worth: $500 Million
Gideon Moi is a distinguished Kenyan politician; he is the youngest son of Kenya’s second president Arap Moi. He has served in several key political offices, including the senate where he is currently the senator representing Baringo County one of the wealthiest senators in Kenya. He has also schemed to be president of Kenya.
Gideon Moi is estimated to be worth around $500 Million; his wealth being invested in real estate, hotels, and stakes in an airline, and logistics company.
Gideon Moi’s wealth comes from corruption; his father Arap Moi is calculated to have been the most corrupt leader in the history of Kenya, with over $1 billion being laundered to 28 countries, through the use of foreign banks, shell companies, and dummy accounts. He is still said to own many properties abroad.
4. William Ruto
Net Worth: $400 Million
William Ruto is the president of Kenya. He is one of Kenya’ wealthiest political players, but surprisingly, he had a low profile before his shock election win back in September 2023. He had been Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Higher Education, and Minister of Home Affairs. He has also been Deputy President of Kenya.
Willam Ruto’s wealth comes from his career as a politician; and his investments include Kitengela Gas, Weston Hotel, and Murumbi Farm. He seems to have the ambition to expand his agricultural enterprise, but unfortunately, that ambition has brought quite some trouble.
William Ruto has been implicated in several land grabbing schemes, has even received summons from the International Criminal Court.
5. Mike Sonko
Net Worth: $150 Million
Mike Sonko is an immensely popular Kenyan politician; in fact his controversial approach to politics has made him a celebrity. Hardly a day passes by with his face being on the news, or his name trending on social media.
Mike Sonko is a former governor of Nairobi. He was formerly a member of parliament, and also a Senator before becoming governor of Nairobi. He was however, impeached from office for abuse of office among other allegations.
Mike Sonko is estimated to be worth around $150 million. However, he has been indicted on corruption charges and remanded in prison. He is still very popular; something of a celebrity politician.
6. Kiraitu Murungi
Net Worth: $100 Million
Kiraitu Murungi is a popular and well accomplished politician; he has been a long serving member of parliament for South Imenti constituency, as well as a cabinet minister, and senator for Meru County.
Kiraitu Murungi is estimated to be worth around $100 million, although his investments are not well documented.
However, Kiraitu Murungi had a difficult political career; he has often accused of corruption, and was mired in many scandals and controversies.
7. Moses Wetangula
Net Worth: $50 Million
Moses Wetangula is one of the most popular and well respected politicians in Kenya. He is presently the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, and also the Leader of his party; the FORD Kenya Party.
He has also been the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister for Trade.
Moses Wetangula is mostly involved in the real estate business; he owns several multi storey buildings in the capital city.
8. Johnstone Muthama
Net Worth: $50 Million
Johnstone Muthama is a popular Kenyan politician and businessman. He is currently the Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission. He has also served as the Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance, which is the ruling party, affiliated to the President.
He is a popular figure in the country’s politics, he is a populist; he has been involved in several popular movements in the country.
Johnstone Muthama is a savvy businessman; his business empire includes mining, real estate, and agriculture. However, his primary business is mining; he trades in gold, ruby reds, and green garnets.
9. Amos Wako
Net Worth: $50 Million
Amos Wako is a Kenyan lawyer and politician. For 20 years he was the Attorney General of Kenya, and then he became a senator. He is accused of facilitating corruption during his time as Attorney General. It would be difficult not to have been corrupt during the reign of Arap Moi.
Amos Wako is banned from entering the US, along with his wife and son. This is because of his alleged involvement in significant corruption. His business dealings are not known, but he is suspected of having significant wealth stored abroad.
10. William Kobogo
Net Worth: $50 Million
William Kabogo is a popular Kenyan politician, social critic and businessman. He was the first governor of Kiambu County, and he has also served as Juja Member of Parliament.
William Kabogo has an impressive business empire, and his businesses include real estate, freight forwarding, and property development. He is one of the top property owners in Nairobi, and has several luxury vehicles and a helicopter.
Related:
- Top 10 Richest Governors In Kenya
- Top 20 Richest Men In Kenya
- Top 10 Richest Musicians In Kenya
- Top 10 Richest Families In Kenya
Closing:
The richest politicians in Kenya often have a bit of corruption associated with their names. However, Kenyans are demanding better accountability, and those with luxurious lifestyles are coming under more scrutiny. Furthermore, Kenya’s most astute politicians are learning to stay away from politics; they are rewarded for the contributions they make towards the improvement of the economy.