Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has stirred the political waters with a firm stance on his personal wealth.

This followed a question about his net worth during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, July 1.

In a direct response, Matiang'i declared that he does not know his net worth, adding that even if he did, it was "not for public consumption."

"No. I don't know and even if I did, that is not for public consumption because I'm not a public official and you're not a commission to which I'm supposed to declare my wealth," he declared.

The question of Matiang'i's wealth is bound to be a topic of discussion once he hits the ground running on his presidential campaign.

A key figure in the administration of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, Matiang'i's finances and past dealings will play a major part if he wants to endear himself to the electorate.

He further pointed out that should anyone suspect wrongdoing in his financial dealings, the country’s investigative agencies are open to handling such inquiries.

Matiang'i underscored that his dealings were by the book, daring those interested to go to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

"If you have any reason to believe that there's something that I have done wrong, you know, our agencies are open. You can go to DCI or any of our investigative agencies and put the information there," Matiang’i continued.

Despite the lingering questions surrounding his tenure, Matiang'i was clear, stating that he has never viewed himself as "above the law."

"I've never been, since I was born, I've never been above the law. I always, even when I was a minister, I was not above the law. I always subject myself to the law. I will not hide from any particular question asked of me in respect of my public service and in respect of my life. And I'll be forthcoming and totally open to respond to any issues," he concluded.

As earlier reported, Matiang’i has the Jubilee Party’s backing for his 2027 presidential bid.

On January 25, Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni announced their endorsement, despite resistance from Kisii’s UPA faction, which claims Matiang’i is their member.

However, the former CS has declared that he's not affiliated with any political faction at the moment.

Source: TUKO.co.ke