Prominent businessman and politician Jimmy “Rich” Wanjigi has been in the spotlight recently for his vocal criticism of the Kenyan government—a government he once played a key role in bringing to power.
Known for his business maneuvers and political influence, Wanjigi’s name has also surfaced in various scandals, most notably the Anglo Leasing and Arror scandal.
Wanjigi’s political lineage traces back to his father, Maina Wanjigi, who served as a Member of Parliament and influential Cabinet Minister in both Kenyatta I and Moi era. This background has significantly influenced Wanjigi’s business and political moves.
An alumnus of the prestigious St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, Wanjigi studied alongside notable politicians like Uhuru Kenyatta and Gideon Moi. He later attended the University of York in the UK, where he pursued business studies from 1982 to 1986.
Wanjigi eventually returned to Kenya, where he began working at his father’s company, before founding his own companies like Tyl Ltd.
Personal Life
Wanjigi is married to Irene Nzisa, with whom he shares two children, Maina and Wambui. The couple has often made headlines, with their public displays of affection becoming viral internet memes.
Recently, Wanjigi praised his wife for her loyalty during his political tribulations, advising men to marry Kamba women, who he said, stand by their husbands through tough times.
Wanjigi’s children were educated at Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland, often dubbed the “school of kings” due to its prestigious alumni, which include royalty from across the world. Notable alummi include Prince Rainier of Monaco, King Farouk of Egypt, Prince Albert II of Belgium, and the Shah of Iran.
The school is ranked as world’s most expensive private institution, with annual tuition fees reaching $113,000 (approximately Ksh.15 million).
Business Empire
Wanjigi is the CEO of Kwacha Group of Companies, a family-owned conglomerate with investments in agriculture, financial services, and real estate.
Early in his career, he operated from Ukulima Plaza, mingling with influential figures such as Wilson Boinett, then head of the Special Branch.
Wanjigi’s business network extended to controversial personalities like Sunil Behal, a known wheeler-dealer in Kenya’s tenderpreneurship circles.
Wanjigi later acquired Behal’s property—a luxurious 44 Muthaiga estate valued at over one billion shillings, complete with a helipad, bunker, heated swimming pool, and state-of-the-art security.
In addition to Kwacha Group, Wanjigi owns Tyl Limited, a shell company initially incorporated in the Isle of Man in 2005 and later registered in Kenya in 2009.
Political Influence
Following in his father’s footsteps, Wanjigi has solidified his position as a kingmaker in Kenyan politics.
He played pivotal roles in the election of Mwai Kibaki in 2002 and the Uhuru Kenyatta-William Ruto ticket in 2013. Wanjigi has publicly admitted that the 2013 Jubilee coalition government was formed in his Muthaiga home. In 2017, he shifted his allegiance to Raila Odinga, becoming one of the top financiers of Odinga’s presidential campaign.
Despite his influence, Wanjigi’s political involvement has not been without controversy. In 2017, his home was raided by police over allegations of possessing illegal firearms, thrusting him into the national spotlight. After the 2017 elections and Odinga’s subsequent “handshake” with Kenyatta, Wanjigi crafted a different path.
In 2022, Wanjigi transitioned from kingmaker to candidate, declaring his bid for the presidency. Initially, he sought the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket but later shifted to the Safina Party, running on a platform of economic reform, food security, and national security.
Police Raid on Wanjigi’s Property
Wanjigi has been linked to the financing of the Gen Z protests in Kenya, an accusation he vehemently denies. Earlier this month, police raided his Muthaiga residence, attempting to arrest him in connection with his alleged role in the August 8 (Nane Nane) protests.
The Nairobi police boss claimed to have recovered tear gas canisters from a vehicle at his home, a charge Wanjigi has dismissed as politically motivated.
Wanjigi condemned the police raid, accusing them of harassment and questioning why they were targeting his private residence. He has since obtained court orders barring his arrest, a legal battle that mirrors his previous encounters with the government.