Having served as Kenya’s Vice President, one would expect a life of immense wealth and luxury. However, this was not the case for the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa.
Wamalwa, the then Saboti MP, served for only a few months as Kenya’s Vice President under President Mwai Kibaki before his untimely death in 2003. To date, he remains the only Kenyan Vice President to have died while in office.
Following his death, it emerged that despite his senior political position and long public service career, Kijana Wamalwa lived a remarkably modest life—unlike many of his peers.
So how did a man who rose to the country’s second-highest office end up with relatively little personal wealth?
A Life of Selflessness
Kijana Wamalwa was a distinguished scholar, having studied at Cambridge University and the London School of Economics, where he earned degrees in law and economics. Those close to him describe him as deeply generous and selfless.
According to his younger brother, Eugene Wamalwa, the late Vice President took full responsibility for his extended family. After their father’s death, Wamalwa supported five widows and 22 siblings, ensuring that none of them lived in hardship.
He reportedly made it his personal mission to educate all his siblings, from primary school to college and beyond. It is said that he even vowed not to marry until all his brothers and sisters had completed their education.
Former politician Musikari Kombo also recalled that Wamalwa could never ignore someone in need. Family members noted that he would often walk around with cash, only to give it all away to people seeking help with school fees, hospital bills, or food—sometimes leaving himself with nothing.
On several occasions, he reportedly entered public places with as much as Sh50,000 and walked out completely broke after helping those around him.
Kijana Wamalwa’s Wealth at the Time of His Death
When President Kibaki appointed him Vice President in 2002, Wamalwa was reportedly living in rented housing, an uncommon situation for someone of his rank.
After his death on August 23, 2003, it was revealed that his estate was modest by Kenyan political standards. His assets included:
- 40 acres of land in Trans Nzoia, valued at approximately Sh4 million
- 300 acres in Kitale used for maize farming
- Five acres in Milimani, Kitale, valued at about Sh500,000
- Two vehicles — a Mercedes-Benz and a Range Rover
- 20 head of cattle in Kitale
Perhaps most surprising was the discovery that his briefcase contained Sh3.4 million in cash at the time of his death.
Following his passing, the National Assembly released Sh36 million in pension benefits to support his family.
A Stark Contrast With Other Leaders
Compared to other individuals who have served as Kenya’s Vice or Deputy Presidents, Kijana Wamalwa’s wealth was minimal.
Former holders of the office—including Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, William Ruto, Moody Awori, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Rigathi Gachagua—were reported to be worth millions or even billions of shillings by the time they exited office.
Kijana Wamalwa’s story remains a rare example of humility, generosity, and selflessness at the highest levels of Kenyan leadership.