Meet Kenya’s ‘poorest’ Member of Parliament

Kiharu MP Irungu Kang’ata who has carved a niche for himself as a selfless politician who gives away most of his money. FILE PHOTO


Though he earns almost Sh1m each month, Kiharu MP Irungu Kang’ata has been described as the poorest legislator in Parliament.


His dressing style does not help the situation. The man hates suits and admits that the few he has have been bought in stalls that his colleagues would not want to be seen in.
In fact, when the Daily Nation interviewed him at his offices in Murang’a Town, he was in a white short-sleeved shirt and wore black shoes with no socks.

He had just arrived in an old battered Toyota Corolla with a dent on its right side. The most expensive electronics gadget he has bought for himself is a phone worth Sh10,000.
“I live a simple life. I am a pragmatic guy. I do not like a showy life and extravagance. Surely what value does a big car add in my life?” Poses the MP.

“It does not matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice,” he says in reaction to the phone.
And in a Parliament that is on the spot for faking mileage allowances to earn more cash and flashy living by legislators, he is an outlier.

In fact, during his first time to Parliament after the 2013 elections, Mr Kang’ata was ejected from the canteen reserved for MPs by guards who thought he was an imposter due to his dressing.
“They thought I was a driver and asked me to come back with my employer, who was supposed to be the MP. I had to produce an ID and wait for it to be verified,” he recalls with a chuckle...

Life is more than having cars and fancy things. They don't buy respect at all. Respect comes naturally without having to fight for dominance.