Kwale governor hopeful Chirau Ali Mwakwere at a past event. [Photo/ citizentv.co.ke]
Former Matuga MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere who is in the race for Kwale governor is among the billionaire governor aspirants in this year's election.
Speaking during the Kwale gubernatorial debate on Sunday at the Kenya School of Government in Matuga, Mwakwere who served as Minister during former President Mwai Kibaki's 10-year rule revealed that he is worth slightly over Sh2 billion.The incumbent, Governor Salim Mvurya said he is worth Sh50 million with ODM's candidate Issa Chipera who worked in the Private Sector before joining politics saying he has an estimated net worth of Sh26 million.On his part, Kwale County Assembly Speaker Sammy Ruwa who is also in the race as an independent candidate revealed he is worth Sh40 million.Mwakwere's opponents, however, questioned the source of his wealth, claiming that much of it could have been amassed through corruption during his tenure as an MP and Cabinet Minister.They further claimed that the former Kenyan Ambassador to Tanzania is a beneficiary of the controversial mining deals in the county.“The billions Mwakwere has must have come from mineral profits,” said Chipera, as quoted by The Star.However, Mwakwere, rubbished the claims saying during his tenure as Mining Minister, Base Titanium had already acquired a mining licence.