Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary nominee Kipchumba Murkomen has declared his net worth to be Ksh620 million up from Ksh550 million reported during his previous vetting in September 2022.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Saturday, August 3, 2024, Murkomen attributed the rise in his assets to strategic financial decisions.
He revealed that he took some mortgages available for public servants which allowed his net worth to surge by Ksh40 million.
“Mr Speaker, there is a scheme that allows public servants to take mortgages. After I was approved, I took a mortgage of Sh40 million and invested it. Besides that, my assets have generally appreciated by about Sh20 million.”
He mentioned that his initial assets have grown significantly, appreciating by around Ksh20 million.
In addition to this, he said he earned an extra Ksh10 million from farming and other business ventures.
As a result, his net worth has increased by approximately Ksh70 million since his last declaration in 2022.
“Besides that, my initial assets have appreciated by about Ksh20 million. I got an additional Ksh.10 million in earnings from farming and other businesses so my net worth has increased by approximately Ksh70 million from what I declared in 2022.”
Murkomen addresses arrogance claims
Recently, Murkomen has faced criticism from the public regarding perceptions of flaunting his wealth and displaying arrogance.
In response, he defended himself before the committee, asserting that those who truly know him would attest to his gentle and humble nature.
He refuted claims of opulence and arrogance, noting that his public demeanour, often seen as confrontational due to the nature of public service challenges, does not reflect his character.
“I am not arrogant. I am as gentle as a dove. Those who know me, know I cannot hurt a fly. The problem with public service is that you are always confronting challenges, and if you speak in a specific manner, it is concluded that the person is arrogant,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen clarified that he has never boasted about his possessions or lifestyle choices, expressing frustration at being caught in the crossfire of public discourse.
“I do not know what opulence is. Opulent people bask in wealth and modern things. I just became a victim of a crossfire of conversation. I have never bragged about what I wear, what I have, where I live, or the car I drive,” he added.