I am financially stable, says former minister

By Amos Kareithi

Long before he was humiliated by voters, former Mathioya MP Joseph Kamotho knew he had to secure his financial future.

He did not want to suffer financial embarrassment like other politicians who fade into abject poverty after losing their seats.

And now that he is not worried about defending any political party or scheming to be ahead of rivals, Mr Kamotho says he has much time on his hands.

"I wake up every morning at about six and enjoy breakfast as I read the daily newspapers. Then I leave home to attend to my businesses," says Kamotho.

He is late for an hour for our interview at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel and explains he was tied up in a business deal.

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When he was unceremoniously tossed out of politics in the 1980s, there were rumours that he operated a kiosk at Finance House, Nairobi.

He was later to bounce back and rejoined the Cabinet.

Today, after several years in the political cold, Kamotho says he is in control of his financial destiny.

He has several businesses, especially in real estate where he has invested heavily.

He says he is completing seven four-bedroom luxury houses, complete with swimming pools in Kitsuru, Nairobi.

Each housing unit is on a half-acre compound.

The price for the houses is about Sh50 million and he has pocketed some down payment.

The former MP plans to sell four units and rent out the others to ensure his family will always be financially comfortable.

He also has a 30-acre tea estate back home in Mathioya.