Abisola SalahuIn Kenya, the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) are ward representatives that represent the interests of the people on the ward or county level. The Richest MCAs in Kenya are those that are adjudged to wealthy based on the image of wealth and opulence that they portray. No doubt, a lifestyle of wealth and flashiness will take a lot of money to maintain; therefore bringing about the conclusion that there is some amount of truth to the perception on wealth on display.
The wealthiest MCAs in Kenya have made huge fortunes outside politics before running for public office. As a matter of fact they have sold themselves as hugely successful individuals, and the image of money, fame and success in private business is what they have used to catapult themselves into the MCA office, from where they can only hope to climb higher; becoming governors, senators, or maybe even Presidents.
Being rich and powerful is almost a requirement to become a politician in Kenya; it is almost impossible to become accepted as a political candidate without having some money to throw around.
Top 10 Richest MCA In Kenya
1. Elijah Njoroge
Elijah Njoroge is the most flamboyant MCA in Kenya at the moment; he has established himself in the minds of people that money is not a problem for him. Elijah Njoroge lives the big life; he always has cameras in front of him, and he is always in the news. He often brags about his expensive cars, investments, and businesses.
People will never forget the moment in 2018, when he arrived at a traditional wedding in a helicopter. His cars have customized license plates, and he usually goes in a convoy.
He frequents the best restaurants and hotels in the country; and he frequently grants interviews. Perhaps he exaggerates his status a little bit, but there is no doubt about his wealth.
2. Cyrus Ngure Kagwi
Cyrus Ngure Kagwi is the MCA for Rugi Ward, Mukurwe-ini constituency, Nyeri County. He will never be forgotten for the time when he went around the city campaigning in a Hummer. He is like a social media MCA; he always has something to say about every issue in the country.
Cyrus Ngure Kagwi lived for a long time in the USA; he made a lot of money during that time when he was involved in a second hand clothing business.
Cyrus Ngure is also a man in the news; he is always making a splash either with an interview, or with some generous contribution to some charity, or to some project.
He actually started making these contributions before becoming MCA; as a way of reassuring the people that he meant to contribute his quota to society, as against coming in to public life for the financial benefit. He runs a charitable foundation through which he contributes to the betterment of the people of his ward.
3. Joachim Okech
Joachim Okech is a show man and an MCA. This is not to say that he does not do his job- he is always in the news flagging off some new projects and doing something good for his ward. The interesting thing about him is that he was born poor, and grew up in the slums. However, an enterprising mind always finds a way out; Joachim Okech’s way out of poverty was in the form of pool tables, which he started operating while in college.
He then moved into organizing competitions; after saving up the prize money for the winners. The venture even grew bigger than he expected, and before long he started paying a few people salaries as they assisted him in his business.
Today, Joachim Okech operates several businesses including matatus, pubs, and real estate. Most people just call him Swagga; a nickname he earned because of the posh way he dresses.
4. John Theuri
John Theuri, representing the good people of Iriaini ward is no doubt one of the richest MCAs in Kenya; as proven by his track record of generosity. He too came for humble beginnings; he was a phone repairman. From there he gathered enough resources and experience to establish a phone dealership; through which he sold both new and used mobile phones.
The big money eventually came when he invested in Safaricom Mpensa; and now he has over 100 Mpesa shops. He has since divested into real estate business.
John Theuri is not like the two show men list above him who always have camera crews following them; he is more down to earth, and focused on serving his people.
5. Pauline Wanjira
Pauline Wanjira is the MCA serving the good people Magutu Ward. Bust she is not a career politician; she is someone who had already established herself in business before ever seeking a career in politics.
She made her money and clout in the construction business; marketing and selling houses, land, offices, and such commercial real estate. To the surprise of many who have been watching her; she has successfully been able to run her business and politics together, largely by hiring more hands.
She also says that she joined politics in order to be able to cater to the people of her ward.
6. Albert Moinde Oino
Albert Moinde Oino is the Member of the County Assembly for Borabu-Chitago Ward in Kisii County. This is someone who avoids the public eye as much as possible, but still manages to be associated with wealth.
Even before coming into politics, he has been a man of significant means; even though he is not such a heavy spender. He is also well connected in the world of business and politics, and he has endeared himself to the people through being active in grassroots events and making generous contributions to youth activities. He was elected during the 2017 August general elections.
7. Alfred Makori Onguti
Alfred Makori Onguti is the MCA representing the good people of Ibeno Ward in Kisii County. He was elected during the 2017 August general elections and has been serving the people ever since. He has a background in legal services and has significant business interests; including real estate.
As a legal practitioner who specialized in real estate; feelers indicate that he is a very wealthy person indeed.
8. Philip Obote Motonu
Philip Obote Motonu is the MCA representing the good people of Riana ward. He is one of the MCAs who have been in office for quite a long time; no doubt making a lot of money in the process. Even though he had a career before politics Philip Obote Motonu can be described as a career politician; having served for such a long time in politics he has made a huge fortune, and is very well connected.
9. Dismas Onsombi
Dismas Onsombi is a Member of the County Assembly representing the good people of Bomariba Ward in Kisii County. He was elected during the 2022 general elections. He is also the majority leader in the county assembly.
There is not much information about his personal life available in the public domain, but information shows that he once used his own money to mobilize locals to repair a portion of a popular road. He is wealthy, and committed to using his wealth for the benefit of the people.
10. Jim Kenyanya
Honourable Jim Kenyanya is an MCA representing Tabaka Ward. He is also a successful businessman; prior to entering politics he owned a quarry business, and distributed construction materials. Since becoming MCA he has been at the forefront in bringing development to his ward and county.
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Finally
The richest MCAs in Kenya are evidently those who throw money around with reckless abandon. There is nothing to suggest that other MCAs who live their lives quietly and without making needless headlines, are not equally as rich, or perhaps even richer than they profess to be.