Former Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) director general, Ezra Chiloba, told lawmakers that he’s worth Ksh 800 million. He shared this during a vetting session by the National Assembly Committee on Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, for the position of Consul-General for Kenya in Los Angeles, United States of America.
The lawmakers probed into how Chiloba, at 46 years old, amassed such wealth despite a relatively short career in the private sector.
Chiloba explained that his financial growth began in 2001 while still in school. He attributed his wealth accumulation to various sources, including employment income, consultancy services, and his engagement in farming activities.
“I am a farmer, and I engage in agribusiness where I plant and sell avocados in my Kitale farm. I was able to save money from my formal employment,” shared Chiloba.
Former Employment
Before his nomination for the consul post, Chiloba held significant positions such as director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), from which he resigned due to allegations of gross misconduct.
He also served as the CEO of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) between 2015 and 2017.
Additionally, Chiloba worked with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kenya National Commission of Human Rights, Centre for Minority Rights Development, South Consulting Africa, and Oxfam Novib.
The MPs’ interest in Chiloba’s wealth stemmed partly from his involvement in the mortgage scheme scandal at the IEBC. However, Chiloba defended himself, citing his acquittal by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak confirmed that the investigation found no sufficient evidence to penalize Chiloba. And he recommended a review of the authority’s human resource policy and procedure manual.
By Vivian K.