Musalia Mudavadi: Age, Net Worth, Education, Family, Daughter, Wife, Biography & More

Musalia Mudavadi is one of Kenya’s most seasoned and influential political figures. With a career spanning over three decades, he has held top positions in government, including serving as Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and currently as the Prime Cabinet Secretary. But beyond the headlines and political debates, who really is Musalia Mudavadi?

In this in-depth article, we uncover everything you need to know about the man behind the title — from his early life and education to his net worth, family background, wife, and daughter.

Quick Facts About Musalia Mudavadi

• Full Name: Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1960
• Age: 64
• Place of Birth: Sabatia, Vihiga County, Kenya
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Land Economics, University of Nairobi
• Profession: Politician, Land Economist
• Current Positions: Prime Cabinet Secretary; Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs; Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior
• Political Affiliation: Kenya Kwanza Alliance
• Marital Status: Married to Tessie Shangatti Mudavadi
• Children: Three (Moses, Michael, Maryanne)
• Net Worth: Approximately KSh 4 billion
• Tribe: Maragoli (Luhya)

Musalia Mudavadi Age

Musalia Mudavadi was born on September 21, 1960, in Sabatia, Vihiga County, Kenya. He is 64 years old.

Musalia Mudavadi Biography

Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi was born on September 21, 1960, in Sabatia, Vihiga County, Kenya. He hails from the Maragoli sub-tribe of the Luhya community.

Education

Raised in a Quaker Christian family, Mudavadi attended Nairobi Primary School, followed by Jamhuri High School and Nairobi School for his secondary education. He later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Land Economics at the University of Nairobi. During his school years, he was an avid rugby player, representing the university's Mean Machine RFC.

Political Career

Mudavadi's political journey began in 1989 when he succeeded his late father, Moses Mudavadi, as the Member of Parliament for Sabatia Constituency. Over the years, he has held several key positions in the Kenyan government:

• Minister for Supplies and Marketing (1989–1993)
• Minister of Finance (1993–1997)
• Minister of Agriculture (1997–1999)
• Minister of Transport, Communications and Information (2000–2002)
• Vice-President of Kenya (2002)
• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government (2008–2012)
• Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya (since October 2022)
• Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs (since 2023)
• Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior (October–December 2024)

Mudavadi has been affiliated with various political parties, including the Kenya African National Union (KANU), Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), United Democratic Forum Party (UDF), and Amani National Congress (ANC). He played a significant role in forming the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which brought President William Ruto to power in 2022.

Autobiography

In 2019, Mudavadi published his autobiography titled "Musalia Mudavadi: Soaring Above The Storms of Passion", providing insights into his personal life, political journey, and the challenges he has faced over the years.

Personal Interests

Beyond politics, Mudavadi has a keen interest in sports and music. He is a fan of the English Premier League football team Manchester United and the Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards, where he once served as a patron. He also enjoys golf and rugby. In the realm of music, he is fond of old-school country artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

Musalia Mudavadi Salary

As of July 1, 2024, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh 990,000, following a Ksh 33,000 increment from his previous salary of Ksh 957,000. This adjustment was part of a broader salary review by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) affecting top government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, and Members of Parliament.

The salary structure for Cabinet Secretaries comprises a basic salary, house allowance, and a salary market adjustment. For instance, in 2022, Cabinet Secretaries received a basic salary of Ksh 554,400, a house allowance of Ksh 200,000, and a salary market adjustment of Ksh 169,000, totaling Ksh 924,000 monthly. While specific breakdowns for the 2024 figures are not detailed, the overall gross salary for the Prime Cabinet Secretary stands at Ksh 990,000.

Additionally, the government's budget allocation for the Prime Cabinet Secretary's office includes funds for salaries, travel, and entertainment. For example, a recent allocation amounted to Ksh 133.4 million.

Reflecting on his early career, Musalia Mudavadi once shared that his first salary was Ksh 950, highlighting the significant progression in his public service journey.

Musalia Mudavadi Father

Moses Substone Budamba Mudavadi (1923–1989) was a prominent Kenyan politician and the father of Musalia Mudavadi. He served as the Member of Parliament for Sabatia Constituency from 1979 until his death in 1989. During his tenure, he held the position of Minister for Local Government under President Daniel arap Moi. Moses Mudavadi was also the first patron of the Maragoli Cultural Festival, reflecting his commitment to cultural preservation.

Beyond his political career, Moses Mudavadi was known for his humility and dedication to public service. He played a significant role in mentoring President Moi during his early political career, influencing the trajectory of Kenyan politics.

Moses Mudavadi's legacy continues through his son, Musalia Mudavadi, who has held various high-ranking positions in the Kenyan government, including Vice President and Prime Cabinet Secretary. Musalia has often expressed gratitude for the values and principles instilled in him by his father.

Musalia Mudavadi Daughter

Musalia Mudavadi's daughter, Maryanne Mudavadi, is his only daughter and one of three children he shares with his wife, Tessie Shangatti Mudavadi. In 2023, Maryanne married Nyaga Karanja, a lawyer, in a series of ceremonies that blended both Luhya and Kikuyu cultural traditions.

The couple's journey began with a traditional wedding (ruracio) held on August 19, 2023, at the Mudavadi family home in Mululu, Vihiga County. This event was attended by family, friends, and several political figures.

Following this, they held a Kuara Itara ceremony on September 16, 2023, at the groom's home in Central Kenya. This Kikuyu rite symbolizes the bride's transition into her new family. The final celebration was a white wedding on October 28, 2023, at St. Austin's Catholic Church in Nairobi, graced by top government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Moses Kuria.

Maryanne has occasionally appeared in public alongside her father, including introducing him at political events. However, she generally maintains a low profile, and detailed information about her professional life remains private.

Musalia Mudavadi Wife

Tessie Shangatti Mudavadi is the wife of Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. The couple married on November 17, 1991, and have three children: Moses, Michael, and Maryanne.

Early Life & Background

Born on August 7, 1968, in Kenya's Western region, Tessie hails from the Kikuyu community. While she maintains a private personal life, her public engagements reflect a commitment to societal betterment.

Public Role & Philanthropy

In February 2023, the Kenyan government established the Office of the Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, with Tessie at its helm. This office complements the roles of the First Lady and the Spouse to the Deputy President, aiming to enhance community outreach and development initiatives.

Tessie leads several philanthropic efforts, notably the Okoa Malaika program, which focuses on reducing neonatal mortality by providing incubators and neonatal care equipment to hospitals across Kenya. As of November 2024, the program had reached 20 counties, including Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, and Garissa.

Additionally, she co-runs the Mudavadi Memorial Foundation Trust Fund, which supports education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Health Advocacy

A breast cancer survivor, Tessie has been an advocate for cancer awareness and early detection. Her personal experience has fueled her commitment to health advocacy, particularly in promoting access to quality healthcare services.

Tessie Mudavadi continues to play a significant role in Kenya's social development landscape, leveraging her position to champion health, education, and community empowerment initiatives.

Musalia Mudavadi Net Worth

During his vetting for the Prime Cabinet Secretary position in October 2022, Mudavadi declared his net worth to be approximately KSh 4 billion. He attributed this wealth to investments in real estate, shares in various companies, and income from farming activities.

Conclusion

Musalia Mudavadi remains one of Kenya’s most enduring and influential political leaders, with a career that spans over three decades of public service. From his early days as Minister for Supplies and Marketing to his current role as Prime Cabinet Secretary, Mudavadi has consistently demonstrated political resilience, strategic acumen, and a commitment to national stability.

Beyond politics, his life paints the picture of a family man deeply rooted in legacy and service. With the support of his wife, Tessie Mudavadi, and a closely-knit family, he continues to influence not just policy, but also social causes through philanthropy and advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Musalia Mudavadi?

Musalia Mudavadi is a Kenyan politician currently serving as the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. He has held key government roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

What is the role of the Prime Cabinet Secretary in Kenya?

The Prime Cabinet Secretary coordinates government ministries, oversees policy implementation, and supports the President and Deputy President in managing the executive branch.

What is Musalia Mudavadi’s educational background?

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi and is a registered valuer. He received an honorary doctorate in Peace and Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University.

What are Musalia Mudavadi’s major government achievements?

Mudavadi led economic reforms as Finance Minister, including currency liberalization and creating institutions like the Kenya Revenue Authority. He also played a key role in implementing devolution as Deputy Prime Minister.

Who is Musalia Mudavadi’s wife and family?

He is married to Tessie Shangatti Mudavadi, and they have three children: Moses, Michael, and Maryanne.

What is Musalia Mudavadi’s political party?

He is the founder and leader of the Amani National Congress (ANC), part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.