Kalonzo's wealth declaration dies in the water

In an attempt to paint a "I am clean and honest" picture, Kalonzo Musyoka last week declared his wealth which he claims stands at Kshs. 50 million; a commendable move, and highly praised by most commentators, seeing as this years General Election is slowly but surely gravitating towards a corruption platfrom. What Kalonzo did not count on, however, was common sense on the part of the cursory observer. Kalonzo even adds that he is waiting for Kibaki and Raila to "come clean" about their wealth. Which raises a basic question: is Kalonzo being truthful about his wealth?

Let us see: in the 9th Parliament, Kalonzo grossed in Kshs. 800,000 per month, tax free. That adds to Kshs. 48 million over the five years. Add to the fact that he has been in Parliament for a good 20 years, most of them, if not all, as a Cabinet Minister. Are we now to believe that in 20 years Kalonzo has made only 2 million, with the bulk of his wealth coming in only in the last five years? Also to be taken into account is that for a long time, he was a partner in a successful and highly lucrative Law firm. You do the math...