Tag: Jimi Wanjigi

MPs Put KAA MD On The Spot Over Sh4.3B Payment To Firm Linked To Wanjigi For Doing Nothing
Investigation Reveals Decade-Long Saga of Mismanagement at JKIA’s Greenfield Terminal Project

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) found itself under intense parliamentary scrutiny this week as lawmakers demanded answers over a controversial Sh4.3 billion payment to a Chinese contractor linked to prominent businessman Jimmy Wanjigi—despite no visible work being done on the ambitious Greenfield Terminal project at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

In a heated session before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC), chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, KAA’s Acting Managing Director Nicholas Bodo struggled to justify the massive expenditure on a project that has remained stalled for over a decade, raising serious questions about accountability and stewardship of public funds.

The Sh75 Million Groundbreaking Ceremony Scandal

Among the most contentious revelations was the discovery that KAA spent Sh75 million on a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2014, presided over by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. This ceremonial expense was classified as a “contract variation”—a designation that has left MPs incredulous.

“How can there be such a huge variation in the cost of a project that hasn’t even started?” demanded Kaloleni MP Katana Paul Kahindi, calling for those responsible to be held accountable to deter future misuse of public funds.

Bodo defended the expenditure, claiming the presidential event required logistical preparations not initially budgeted for and were covered using contingency funds within the contract. However, the explanation failed to convince committee members, with Chairman Pkosing questioning why such a significant amount was spent on an event for a project that remains incomplete more than a decade later.

The Wanjigi Connection Unraveled

The controversy deepens with the emergence of businessman Jimmy Wanjigi’s alleged connection to the project through the contracting consortium ACEG-CATIC JV—a joint venture between China’s Anhui Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd (ACEG) and China Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (CATIC).

Parliamentary investigations conducted between 2021 and 2022 revealed that Wanjigi was listed as one of the directors of the joint venture, alongside Chinese nationals. The revelation came to light when MPs, led by Ruaraka’s Tom Kajwang, Embakasi East’s Babu Owino, and Mvita’s Abdulswamad Nassir, demanded that Transport Ministry officials be put under oath to confirm they were conducting business with Wanjigi.

“It is important that the Ministry officials and the Kenya Airports Authority Board is put under oath so they can confirm that they were in business with Wanjigi,” Kajwang stated during parliamentary proceedings.

MP Babu Owino went further, alleging that “Wanjigi is indeed using taxpayers’ money to contest, he should be made to refund our money,” referring to Wanjigi’s presidential ambitions at the time.

A Project Doomed from the Start

The Greenfield Terminal project, launched in 2013 as part of Kenya’s Vision 2030 flagship initiatives, was intended to transform JKIA into a regional aviation hub capable of handling 20 million passengers annually. The original contract was valued at Sh64 billion, but investigations later revealed the cost had been inflated by up to Sh9 billion.

The project was marred by illegalities from its inception. KAA entered into the agreement with the Chinese consortium on November 13, 2013, and granted site possession on December 6, 2013, before the contractor had secured project financing—a clear breach of Clause 5 of the contract agreement.

“The management of the KAA was in breach of Clause 5 of the contract agreement that made it a condition precedent for the contractor to secure a financier before signing the deal,” states a parliamentary report. “It was not clear why KAA was in a hurry to sign a contract whose condition precedent of securing a financier had not been met.”

The contractors had identified two potential financiers—China Development Bank Corporation and China Exim Bank—but no valid financing contract had been crystallized by the time of signing.

The Sh4.3 Billion Question

According to the Auditor General’s report covering KAA’s accounts from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022, irregular payments totaling Sh4.5 billion were flagged. Of this amount, Sh4.31 billion was advanced to ACEG-CATIC JV as “advance payments” despite no evidence of evaluated work being completed.

The Public Investments Committee found no basis for these payments. “Throughout our investigations, we did not receive any submission on why the amount was paid to the contractor. It should be recovered,” said committee chairman Abdulswamad Nassir in 2022.

The design for the stalled Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Greenfield Terminal creates the largest single-terminal aviation hub in East Africa.

KAA management claimed the money was paid as advance payment as provided for in the contract agreement and was to be recovered from subsequent progress payments. However, since the contract was terminated without any work being done, it remained unclear why KAA had not instituted measures to have the advanced monies refunded.

Additional Financial Irregularities

Beyond the main contractor payment, the financial web of irregularities extends further:
- Sh216 million was paid to consulting firm Louis Berger Group and Runji Partners (LBG) for supervision services, with no evidence of work completed by June 30, 2019
- Sh7.4 million was disbursed to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) after its contract for technical advisory services was terminated under unclear circumstances
- The supervision contract with Louis Berger Group was valued at US$8.83 million
Legal Battle and Mounting Costs

The project’s cancellation in March 2016 triggered a complex legal battle. ACEG-CATIC JV is now demanding Sh17.6 billion from KAA for breach of contract, broken down as follows:
- Sh2 billion for preparation of bill of quantities
- Sh2.4 billion in additional costs
- Sh708.2 million in Value Added Tax charged by Kenya Revenue Authority
- Sh5.6 billion in additional claims including contract balance, VAT, interest, and penalties
The case remains pending at the International Court of Arbitration, and if the contractor prevails, Kenyan taxpayers could face a total liability of up to Sh20 billion.

The Mediation Settlement

Recent revelations show that a mediation agreement was reached between the parties, with KAA agreeing to pay a gross compensation amount of Sh4.79 billion to settle the contractor’s claims. After deducting the advance payment already received by the contractor (Sh4.18 billion), a final settlement of Sh604 million was paid to pave the way for KAA to enter into new contracts.

This settlement appears to have been orchestrated to clear the path for the controversial Adani Group’s JKIA concession deal, which has since been cancelled following public outcry and concerns over the Indian conglomerate’s financial stability.

Systemic Failures in Oversight

The Greenfield Terminal saga exposes systematic failures in Kenya’s public procurement landscape. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigation in 2015 revealed a Sh9 billion variance in the project’s contract, leading to the suspension of four senior KAA managers on corruption allegations.

Committee members expressed frustration at the lack of accountability for the financial discrepancies. Most of the officials involved in the project’s initial stages have since left KAA, making it difficult to pursue individual accountability.

“Without urgent action, such issues could recur,” warned Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, while Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri suggested that many of the audit queries may have originated from KAA’s board oversight failures.

The Wanjigi Business Empire

The Greenfield Terminal controversy is part of a broader pattern involving Jimmi Wanjigi’s business empire, the Kwacha Group of Companies. The conglomerate, founded in the late 1990s, built its success on lucrative government contracts and political connections spanning multiple administrations from Daniel arap Moi to Uhuru Kenyatta.

Wanjigi’s business dealings have been linked to several major scandals, including the Anglo Leasing affair and the Standard Gauge Railway project. His political connections have enabled his companies to secure high-value government contracts, raising questions about the intersection of business and politics in Kenya’s procurement processes.

Current Status and Future Implications

The Greenfield Terminal project remains a symbol of Kenya’s infrastructure challenges, with JKIA struggling to handle growing passenger volumes while billions of shillings lie waste in abandoned projects. The government is currently targeting 25 million passengers annually through JKIA, making the resolution of these issues critical for the airport’s expansion plans.

The parliamentary committee has recommended that KAA immediately commence recovery proceedings for the advanced monies paid to both the contractor and consultants. However, the complex web of legal battles and mediation agreements makes recovery uncertain.

Conclusion

The Sh4.3 billion payment to a Wanjigi-linked firm for zero work represents more than just financial mismanagement—it symbolizes the systemic corruption and lack of accountability that has plagued Kenya’s public procurement system. As lawmakers continue to demand answers, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how the country manages taxpayer funds and implements major infrastructure projects.

The Greenfield Terminal saga underscores the critical importance of parliamentary oversight in protecting public resources and ensuring that those entrusted with taxpayer money are held accountable for their actions. Whether justice will be served in this case remains to be seen, but the public outcry and parliamentary pressure suggest that the days of unchecked spending and questionable deals may be numbered.
May 30, 2025
Kwacha Group of Companies: How Wanjigi Exploited Mega Scandals Like Anglo Leasing for Wealth and Power

Kwacha Group of Companies, once a symbol of immense power and wealth in Kenya, became entangled in a web of scandals that ultimately led to its downfall.

Founded by the influential businessman Jimi Wanjigi, the conglomerate thrived on lucrative government contracts and political connections.

However, its meteoric rise was marred by controversies, including involvement in the Anglo Leasing scandal, land-grabbing allegations, and the 2017 election crisis.

The tale of Kwacha Group serves as a stark reminder of how corruption and political intrigue can dismantle even the most formidable business empires.

The Genesis of Kwacha Group of Companies

Kwacha Group of Companies was established in the late 1990s by Jimi Wanjigi, a man who had already made a name for himself as a powerful and influential businessman in Kenya.

The conglomerate rapidly expanded its portfolio, with interests ranging from real estate, construction, and finance to energy and infrastructure development.

Kwacha Group’s success was closely tied to Wanjigi’s political connections, which allowed the company to secure lucrative government contracts and partnerships with multinational corporations.

Wanjigi’s influence in the corridors of power grew as he became a key figure in financing political campaigns and brokering deals behind the scenes.

His association with various political figures, including former President Daniel arap Moi, President Mwai Kibaki, and later Raila Odinga, solidified his status as one of Kenya’s most powerful businessmen.

Scandals and Controversies

However, the success of Kwacha Group was marred by numerous scandals and controversies that would eventually lead to its downfall.

These scandals not only tarnished Wanjigi’s reputation but also exposed the deep-seated corruption and impunity that plagued the Kenyan business and political landscape.

1. The Anglo Leasing Scandal

One of the most significant scandals that Kwacha Group was embroiled in was the Anglo Leasing scandal, which rocked Kenya in the early 2000s.

This multi-billion shilling scam involved the awarding of non-existent contracts for the procurement of security equipment by the Kenyan government.

Kwacha Group, through its subsidiaries, was implicated in the scandal, with allegations that it had been awarded several of these bogus contracts.

The Anglo Leasing scandal exposed the close ties between Wanjigi and top government officials, raising questions about the role of Kwacha Group in facilitating these fraudulent deals.

Despite widespread public outrage and numerous investigations, the scandal was never fully resolved, and many of those involved, including Wanjigi, were never held accountable.

2. The SGR Project Controversy

Another controversy that engulfed Kwacha Group was its involvement in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

The project, which aimed to connect the port city of Mombasa to the capital, Nairobi, was financed by Chinese loans and managed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

Kwacha Group was reportedly involved in the procurement of land and other services for the SGR project. However, the project was mired in allegations of corruption, inflated costs, and irregular land acquisitions.

Critics accused Wanjigi of using his political connections to secure lucrative contracts for Kwacha Group, further fueling public anger over the mismanagement of the project.

3. The Safaricom IPO Scandal

In 2008, the initial public offering (IPO) of Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, was another flashpoint in Kwacha Group’s controversial history.

The IPO, which was one of the largest in Kenya’s history, was marred by allegations of insider trading, irregular allocation of shares, and manipulation of the stock market.

Wanjigi, through Kwacha Group, was accused of being one of the key beneficiaries of the Safaricom IPO scandal.

It was alleged that the company had acquired a significant number of shares at a discounted rate before the IPO and later sold them at a massive profit.

The scandal raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of Kenya’s financial markets, with many blaming Wanjigi and his associates for exploiting their political connections for personal gain.

4. The Land Grabbing Allegations

Kwacha Group also found itself at the center of several land-grabbing allegations, particularly in Nairobi and the coastal region. The company was accused of acquiring large tracts of public land through dubious means, often displacing communities and engaging in legal battles with various government agencies.

One of the most high-profile cases involved the attempted acquisition of a piece of land belonging to the University of Nairobi.

Kwacha Group’s involvement in these land-grabbing schemes highlighted the pervasive corruption in Kenya’s land sector, where powerful individuals and companies often exploited their influence to amass vast amounts of wealth at the expense of the public.

5. The 2017 Election Crisis

Perhaps the most politically charged scandal involving Kwacha Group was its alleged involvement in the 2017 Kenyan presidential election crisis.

Jimi Wanjigi, who had by then aligned himself with the opposition, was accused of financing and orchestrating anti-government protests and activities aimed at undermining the legitimacy of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election.

During the height of the crisis, Wanjigi’s properties, including his residence and offices, were raided by police, leading to the discovery of a cache of weapons and ammunition.

While Wanjigi denied any wrongdoing, the incident further fueled speculation about Kwacha Group’s involvement in destabilizing the country for political gain.

The Decline of Kwacha Group of Companies

The numerous scandals and controversies surrounding Kwacha Group eventually took their toll on the company’s fortunes.

By the late 2010s, the conglomerate was facing financial difficulties, with several of its subsidiaries struggling to stay afloat. The political climate had also shifted, with Wanjigi’s influence waning as he fell out of favor with the ruling elite.

In 2018, Kwacha Group was hit with a major blow when the Kenyan government launched a crackdown on companies and individuals linked to corruption.

Several of the company’s assets were seized, and its bank accounts were frozen as part of ongoing investigations into its involvement in various scandals.

Wanjigi’s legal battles intensified, with numerous court cases filed against him and his company. The once-mighty Kwacha Group was now a shadow of its former self, with many of its projects stalled and its reputation in tatters.

What Next?

The rise and fall of Jimi Wanjigi’s Kwacha Group of Companies is a stark reminder of the dangers of intertwining business with politics in a country where corruption and impunity often go unchecked.

While Wanjigi and his company once enjoyed immense power and influence, their downfall was inevitable, given the numerous scandals and controversies that plagued them.

Kwacha Group’s story serves as a cautionary tale for other business moguls who may be tempted to leverage their political connections for personal gain.

In the end, the price of such actions can be devastating, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader society that bears the brunt of corruption and mismanagement.

August 13, 2024
The War Between Jimi Wanjigi and President William Ruto: A Tale of Power, Wealth, and Scandal

Jimi Wanjigi, a name synonymous with political power and financial influence in Kenya, has had a long and tumultuous journey from the garbage collection business to becoming one of the most powerful oligarchs in the country.

His rise to power is as controversial as it is inspiring, with numerous scandals marking his path to the top.

Today, Wanjigi finds himself at war with President William Ruto, a conflict that has captured the attention of the nation and beyond.

How Jimi Wanjigi Rose From ‘Garbage Collection’ to Power

Wanjigi’s story begins in the unglamorous world of garbage collection. In an exclusive interview with Royal Media Services in 2021, Wanjigi recounted how he started out in the garbage collection business in Nairobi during the late President Daniel Moi’s tenure.

The city’s waste management was in disarray, and Wanjigi saw an opportunity to make a difference while also making a name for himself.

“My first business was garbage collection. I pioneered private garbage collection in this country. There was a time during the Moi administration that garbage in this city, when we had a city commission headed by Fred Gumo, was a nightmare. Everywhere you went, garbage was not being collected,” Wanjigi explained. His efforts to clean up the capital marked the beginning of his journey into the world of business and politics.

Wanjigi’s success in garbage collection was just the start. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunity led him to expand his business empire into various sectors, including agribusiness, financial services, industrials, and real estate.

Today, he is the chief executive officer of Kwacha Group of Companies, a privately held family office with significant interests in the Kenyan economy.

The Scandalous Path to Oligarchy

Wanjigi’s rise to power was not without controversy. His name first gained national prominence during the Anglo Leasing scandal, a government procurement corruption scandal that rocked Kenya in the early 2000s.

The scandal involved the awarding of inflated government contracts to fictitious and briefcase companies, one of which was Anglo Leasing Finance, a British firm that was awarded a contract to supply passport printing equipment to Kenya.

The Anglo Leasing scandal was one of the many corrupt deals inherited from the KANU government, which had ruled Kenya for 24 years.

Despite promises from the new NARC government to fight corruption, the magnitude of the Anglo Leasing scandal proved too great to overcome.

Wanjigi, along with several other high-profile figures, was implicated in the scandal, which involved the siphoning of millions of euros from the Kenyan government.

Despite the scandal, Wanjigi’s influence continued to grow. Over the years, he has been linked to various other controversial deals and has financed several prominent politicians in exchange for lucrative government tenders.

His financial backing of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and then Deputy President William Ruto in the 2013 elections is well-documented. However, his relationship with the duo soured after they took office, leading to a dramatic fallout.

The Fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto

After helping to finance their successful election campaign, Wanjigi’s relationship with Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto deteriorated to the point where Kenyatta ordered a raid on Wanjigi’s posh home in Muthaiga.

The raid, conducted by anti-terror police, was a clear signal that Wanjigi was no longer in favor with the government he had helped to install.

The raid, however, did little to diminish Wanjigi’s influence. In fact, it seemed to embolden him.

Wanjigi continued to speak out against the government, often criticizing their policies and actions. His words, always sharp and calculated, have a way of rattling those in power.

The Current War with President William Ruto

Today, Wanjigi finds himself in direct conflict with President William Ruto.

The latest chapter in this ongoing saga began with Ruto accusing Wanjigi of funding the recent Gen Z protests, which called for the resignation of Ruto’s government over allegations of corruption and incompetence.

The protests, which saw young Kenyans taking to the streets in large numbers, were met with a heavy-handed response from the government.

In response to the protests, Ruto once again deployed anti-terror police to raid Wanjigi’s home in Muthaiga.

This time, however, Wanjigi was prepared. Despite the police’s best efforts, they were unable to locate him. Wanjigi later claimed that he was inside his home the entire time, watching as the police raided his property.

“Yes, I was inside my home, but beyond that, I will not tell you where and how and what there is in my home,” Wanjigi said during an interview with Citizen TV. He accused the police of committing crimes at his home in the name of looking for him and vowed that they would never find him if they continued to raid his property.

Wanjigi also denied owning the vehicle in which the police claimed to have recovered tear gas canisters. He obtained a court order barring the police from arresting him or restricting his movement, further escalating the standoff between him and the government.

Jimi Wanjigi and His Battle for the Future

The war between Jimi Wanjigi and President William Ruto is far from over. Wanjigi, ever the strategist, continues to play his cards carefully, using his wealth and influence to challenge the government’s actions.

His denial of involvement in the Gen Z protests and his claims of being unfairly targeted by the police have resonated with many Kenyans, who are increasingly disillusioned with Ruto’s administration.

Wanjigi’s story is one of power, wealth, and scandal. From his humble beginnings in garbage collection to becoming one of Kenya’s most powerful oligarchs, Wanjigi has navigated the murky waters of Kenyan politics with skill and determination.

Now, as he battles President Ruto, the outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for the future of Kenya.

Whether Wanjigi will emerge victorious in his war with Ruto remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Jimi Wanjigi is a force to be reckoned with, and his influence on Kenya’s political landscape is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.

August 13, 2024
Wanjigi To Face Land Fraud Charges

Court has issued a warrant of arrest against Jimi Wanjigi and sent summons to his wife Irene Nzisa Wanjigi and 6 others to appear in court to face Ksh56M land fraud charges.

Chief Inspector Maloba attached to DCI headquarters has told Senior Principal Magistrate Bernard Ochoi that Wajingi and his wife Irene Nzisa evaded arrest since yesterday at 2:30 pm and locked themselves inside a house where the police have been trying to apprehend them.

According to the charge sheet, they are all charged with land fraud in six counts ranging from obtaining money by false pretences, uttering forged documents, procuring the execution of a company by false pretences, forgery of deed plans and forgery of grant contrary to the law.

“You are charged that on June 21st 2018 at Nairobi City centre within Nairobi City centre jointly with intent to defraud obtained Ksh56M from Kenroid Limited by falsely pretending that you were in a position to sell IR.NO.658000 LR.1870/11/200 deed plan No.175145 measuring 0.3314 ha registered to Auream Limited,” the charge sheet read in part.

On the first count, Wanjigi, his wife and the six others are alleged to have committed a land fraud offence on diverse dates between April 9, 2010, and June 5, 2018, at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya.

He is alleged to have conspired to forge a title deed for land registered as IR 65800 LR.NO.1870/11/200 deed plan No.175145 dated July 20 1993 under the name of Horizon hills limited.

The other suspects are Himanshu Velji Dodhia alias Himanshu Velji, Premchard Dodhia, Kameez Noorani, Mohammed Hussein Noorani , Mohamed Hussanali, Kairu Augustine Thuo and John Nyanjua Njenga.

January 18, 2022
DCI Launch Investigations On Wanjigi And Wife Over Sh1.2B Land Fraud

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended the prosecution of businessman Jimi Wanjigi and his wife Irene Nzisa for allegedly obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud involving a Sh1.2 billion piece of land in Nairobi.

Detectives from the Land Fraud Unit of the DCI on December 10 forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with recommendations that Wanjigi, Nzisa, John Nyanjua Njenga and Caroline Njoki, an advocate, be charged with obtaining Sh56 million from Kenroid Limited, by falsely pretending they were in a position to sell the company a 0.3314 hectare peice of land on General Mathenge road in Westlands.

The DCI had launched investigations to establish the real owners of the land, Grant I.R No.65800 L.R No.1870/II/200, which is claimed by three parties – Aureum Ltd owned by the Wanjigis, businesswoman Cissy Kalunde Musembi and Horizon Hills Limited.

Three grants

“Three Grants were issued and registered against one parcel of land contrary to the relevant land registration Acts and laws, which dictate that registration of one parcel of land, shall be one Title deed against one person or entity,” the DCI report reads.

Yesterday, Wanjigi, through one of his aides, declined to comment on the investigations and the report, insisting he was yet to see the communication.

“We are aware of the issue of the land in question but we cannot comment on a report that we have not seen. Let’s cross the bridge when we get there,” the aide said.

The DCI has also recommended that businessmen Mohammed Hassanali, Kaneez Noorani, Hamanshu Dodhia, and Mohammed Hussein Noorani be charged together with the Wanjigis while the Registrar of Titles, Fredrick Lubulellah, be charged with four counts of making false entries in a land document.

According to the DCI, the Wanjigis appointed two proxies, Thuo Augustine Kairu and Tyl Company, to stand in as purchasers of the land on their behalf from Horizon Hills Limited at a cost of Sh154 million.

On April 9, 2010, Kairu and Tyl Limited acquired three company shares at a consideration of Sh51 million from Horizon Hills Limited. On April 23, Kairu purported to have transferred one share to Nzisa before resigning six days later.

On April 29, 2020, Kairu, under Nzisa’s instructions, wrote an unreferenced letter as chairman of Tyl Limited, addressed to the Manager, Chase Bank, authorising him to transfer Sh138.6 million by RTGS from Chase Bank (SBM) account number 1104021100 under the name of JM Njage and Co Advocate at Bank of Africa.

Investigations, however, revealed that Tyl Ltd did not have an account with the bank, which was confirmed by a Chase Bank official in an affidavit dated July 23, 2019.

This, therefore, means no such payments would have been made from a non-existent account.

The probe noted some contradiction in a case where Nzisa claimed that in 2010, jointly with her husband Wanjigi, purchased the land at a cost of Sh154 million from Horizon Hills through Kairu and Tyl Company Limited (John Njenga).

On the contrary, Wanjigi’s evidence indicated the land was offered to them in 2006.

According to the Lands Registry, the land was sold to Dodhia Foam Limited when the lease was about to expire in 1991.

Dodhia Foam applied for a new lease and pursuant to a surrender of old Grant, a new Grant for 50 years was granted by the government and a re-surveying of the land was done culminating in the issuing of a new Deed Plan number 175145, dated July 20, 1993.

A new lease was issued on April 21, 1995 but was backdated to June 1, 1993.

From the file, it is purported that Dodhia Foam Limited transferred the land to Velji Premchand Dodhia and Himanshu Velji Dodhia in 1997.

Horizon claims to have purchased the land at Sh33.6 million but there is no proof of payment or sale agreement.

In early 2018, Nzisa and Wanjigi, as directors of Horizon Hills Limited, took possession of the land and offered it for sale to Kenroid Limited through their lawyer Caroline Njoki Gachihi.

It was during the transaction that the purchaser realised the existence of another company with a similar name, Horizon Hills Limited (under Certificate of Incorporation No.C110776) registered on December 3, 2004, whereas Wanjigi’s was registered on June 24, 2006.

According to Nairobi City County documents, land rates from November 2014 to April 2018 were paid by Horizon Hills Limited but from February 2018 payment was done by Cissy Kalunde Musembi.

Ironically, in the course of the probe, a senior Government Printer John Ondigo stated that he had received three title deeds marked ‘A’ (Cissy Kalunde) ‘B’ (Aureum Limited), and ‘C’ (Horizon Hills Limited).

Ondigo, however, declared titles for HHL and Kalunde’s as not genuine. The DCI, however, dismissed this.

The investigations further revealed that Nzisa and Wanjigi, having realised the misrepresentation, colluded with a registrar of companies official Hiram Gichuhi Wanjohi, and they changed the firm’s name from Horizon Hills Limited to Aureum Limited through a certificate dated May 31, 2018, endorsed on the Grant and at the Lands Registry on June 5, 2018.

Investigations revealed that Stephen Chege Njoroge, a senior lands registration officer, effected the change of name.

December 23, 2021
Petition Filed For The Removal Of Judge Anthony Mrima

People living with disabilities under the Ulemavu Initiative have petitioned the removal of High Court Judge Anthony Mrima over incompetence, bias and gross misconduct.

Through their leader Michael Makarina, the group wants the Judicial Service Commission to remove Justice Mrima over his decision to convict Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti over claims of failing to return firearms belonging to businessman Jimmy Wanjigi.

According to the group, the conduct of the judge went against all principles of Judicial Independence, conduct, rule of law and constitutionalism as it smacks deliberate misconduct or incompetency.

Through lawyer Danstan Omari, the group wants JSC to determine the actions of Justice Mrima amounted to incompetence, corrupt, bias and gross misconduct and breach of Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics and oath of office and consequent to this determination initiates the necessary procedures for his removal from office.

Makarina wants the JSC to suspend the judge for his show of bias and find the conduct of Justice Mrima be investigated to ascertain any benefit he may have received for taking a deliberate legal misdirection. He also wants the judge to be dismissed from discharging, executing his duties.

Makarina argues that the judge has used his power, office and authority in unaccountable manner meant to frustrate DCI Kinoti and to expose mwananchi to danger as the said convict as the court has since observed, is a man with huge National responsibilities as Director of Criminal Investigations by sentencing him to jail term consequently ignoring sentencing policy Guidelines of 2015.

“It is palpable that the accused judge has been acting with malafides, morbid and ill will with sore him of humiliating Kinoti either through his convenient, misreading, misapplying and misunderstanding of contempt of court proceedings in a manber that render picayune of import of Director’s rights to a fair trial and right to a fair hearing or the court’s show of incompetency that jeopardize the rights of DCI Kinoti,” says Makarina.

In the petition, Makarina argue that the intimation that the Inspector General was to bring Kinoti to court to answer to the charge of contempt long after DCI Kinoti had been sentenced is baffling and a demonstration of the court’s inability to appreciate that the invitation is belated and obviously reverse of the process and procedures as they are understood in law and in practice.

He further accuses the judge of refusing to appreciate the material evidence presented before him as proof that the conviction and sentence against DCI Kinoti was erroneous, baseless, worse, unmerited and unsupported by any tangible proof or evidence

December 21, 2021
Raila men accuse Wanjigi of engaging in premature campaigns

ODM luminaries allied to the opposition chief Raila Odinga have accused businessman Jimi Wanjigi of engaging in early campaigns, contrary to the provisions of the electoral laws and party doctrines.

Wanjigi is eyeing ODM party’s presidential ticket against Raila Odinga and Mombasa governor Hassan Joho to run in next year’s general election.

The group led by ODM Chairman John Mbadi on Monday dismissed the meetings the tycoon has been holding with the party delegates claiming that the party’s election’s board has not ratified the list of the representatives.

“The party’s election board has not ratified the common and authentic list of delegates for those who wish to contest the presidency on an ODM ticket. The board will announce the time for campaigns,” said Mbadi said.

Wanjigi met a group of suspected ODM delegates at Aberdare Country Club in Nyeri on August 8, at Aberdare Country Club in Nyeri County who declared their support for his presidential bid.

Mbadi who believes that ODM’s presidential ticket belongs to party owner Raila Odinga dismissed the members allied to Wanjigi as sycophants but not party delegates.

The Suba South law maker called on Wanjigi to wait until the party announces the legitimate delegates before he embarks on his premature presidential campaigns.

The agitated MP further called on those seeking ODM’s presidential ticket to wait until the list is out to lock out the ticket from falling to individuals he described as conmen.

Tycoon Jimi Wanjigi, he is eyeing ODM presidential ticket [p/courtesy]
Mbadi also clarified that that many top luminaries of the party have been rattled by Wanjigi’s move.

“It is not yet time for campaigns. The ODM elections board is in the process of harmonizing the list of delegates before embarking on grassroots election across the country.” Mbadi added.

Mbadi who is a key ally of Raila Odinga was angered by Wanjigi’s move to open an ODM party offices in Mt Kenya regions without consulting the party summit, a move he claimed will cause confusion and disorder.

Wanjigi who bankrolled Raila Odinga’s campaigns in 2017 wanted to open an ODM officer in Kenol town, Murang’a County but he was stopped by police who accused him of going against the laid down procedures.

“They had not notified us of their plan and when Wanjigi’s team came, we advised them to follow the process and that is where we left it,” Murang’a South Police Commander Alex Shikondi said.

The ODM chairman also accused the tycoon of trying to opening an ODM office in an area the party already has one, saying the was aimed at stirring controversies.

Mbadi compared Wanjigi’s move to that of Migori governor Okoth Obado whose attempts to open a party office in Migori led to bloody gun battles in 2017.

“Even Migori Governor Okoth Obado tried to open an ODM office in hi is county but the party denied him the permission so he doesn’t think he owns the party. There are people who masquerade as sponsors of ODM and this as has only given the party a bad name.” Mbadi said.

Wanjigi has, however, maintained that Raila and his Nasa allies should return the favour after he supported and financed them in 2017.

“I will put on an orange cap and battle it out with other candidates. I’m coming with a big force called Mt Kenya, they better give the ticket to me since they don’t have a formula. If they don’t, we shall leave them at a disadvantage. I sacrificed for them against my own community,” Wanjigi said.

The tycoon also cautioned ODM leaders who have dismissed his presidential bid saying he has been a kingmaker because he knows the winning formula.

August 18, 2021