In Kenya, serving as Vice President often comes with expectations of immense wealth and a lavish lifestyle. Yet, Michael Kijana Wamalwa defied this norm.
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The late Saboti MP held the position of Vice President in President Mwai Kibaki’s government for only a few months before his untimely death in 2003. He remains the only Kenyan Vice President to have passed away while in office.
It was only after his death that the public discovered how modestly he had lived, despite his prominence in politics.
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Selflessness and Generosity
Wamalwa was not only a distinguished scholar—an alumnus of Cambridge University and the London School of Economics with degrees in law and economics—but also a man deeply committed to his family and community.
His younger brother, Eugene Wamalwa, recalls how Kijana took responsibility for their extended family after their father’s death, caring for five widows and 22 siblings. He ensured that every child received an education, even vowing not to marry until his siblings had completed school.
Friends and relatives describe him as extraordinarily generous. Former politician Musikari Kombo noted that Wamalwa never ignored someone in need if he had money in his pocket. His uncle added that he often carried large sums, only to give it all away to those seeking help with school fees, hospital bills, or food.
It was said that if he walked into a pub with Shs 50,000, he would leave with nothing—having given it all to others.
His Wealth at the Time of Death
When Kibaki appointed him Vice President in 2002, Wamalwa was reportedly living in rented housing. After his death on August 23, 2003, his estate was revealed to be modest compared to his peers:
- Land: 40 acres in Trans Nzoia (valued at Sh4 million), 300 acres in Kitale for maize farming, and 5 acres in Milimani, Kitale (worth about Sh500,000).
- Vehicles: A Mercedes-Benz and a Range Rover.
- Livestock: 20 head of cattle in Kitale.
- Cash: Shs 3.4 million found in his briefcase.
The National Assembly later released Shs 36 million in pension funds to support his family.
A Stark Contrast
Compared to other Vice Presidents—such as Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, William Ruto, Moody Awori, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Rigathi Gachagua—Wamalwa’s wealth was only a fraction. Many of his peers left office worth millions, if not billions.
Kijana Wamalwa’s legacy, therefore, is not one of riches, but of humility, generosity, and selfless service.
