MP Mwalika calls out ‘primitive wealth accumulation’ amid corruption debate

Kitui Rural MP David Mwalika

Kitui Rural MP David Mwalika has criticised leaders who engage in corruption to accumulate what he termed “primitive wealth” while millions of Kenyans continue to struggle.

Speaking in Machakos on Wednesday during a public participation session on the Privatization Bill, 2025, Mwalika said it was unnecessary for politicians and public officials to amass excessive riches at the expense of citizens.

“At times I ask people, how much money do you need? If you have a car, you are eating, your children can go to school, then that’s all you need. You can’t drive two cars at the same time,” he said.

The MP was responding to questions on President William Ruto’s recent remarks that some MPs are corrupt. He urged the President to be transparent by naming the legislators involved and allowing investigations to follow.

“The president should be candid enough and forward the names of corrupt legislators. Let people be investigated, arrested, and taken to court,” Mwalika said.

“But if there are also members of the Executive who are bribing MPs, they should also be arrested. Where do they get money from to bribe MPs? Aren’t they stealing money meant to deliver services to the public?”

Mwalika argued that leaders should not seek to enrich themselves beyond basic needs, noting that in death, all a person requires is a small burial space.

“Why do you need to accumulate wealth, what I call primitive accumulation of wealth? Even if you die, you only require a space of 4 by 6 metres to be buried,” he said.

The legislator acknowledged that the President may have received intelligence reports on corruption among MPs, but cautioned against acting on rumours.

“Low information could also be rumours. But refined information can have some facts. If he has that information, why can’t he order investigation authorities to conduct investigations and arrest those who are corrupt as the Commander-in-Chief?” he posed.

Mwalika linked the country’s economic struggles, including unemployment and lack of money in circulation, to entrenched corruption.

“If we get rid of corruption, these issues of joblessness and lack of money would be reduced. We would be alright as a country,” he said.

The public participation exercise in Machakos was led by the National Assembly’s Finance and National Planning Committee, where Mwalika sits, alongside the Select Committee on Public Debt and Privatization.