Kirubi is surely a man of many hats.The flamboyant business man is known for his 49% stake in Haco tiger brands as well as majority a majority share holder at equity investment firm centum and UAP insurance group. The man is also said to have studied in Western Kenya, he said to have created his wealth from scratch. He bought old dilapidated buildings in Nairobi, then renovated them, he later sold the buildings to make profit, which I bet was large. And that my friends is how the billion dollar journey started. Right now the man owns International house in the centre of Nairobi.
Little is known about his family, therefore little is said. He is 72,he must have a family in between somewhere, "rumours" have it that he had a wife and divorced. He is also said to have children, obviously. Chris is however said to be popular among young clandestine. Not bad for a guy who got it all.
Just few days ago Kirubi was hosted at the popular talk show Jeff Koinange Live where among other things really showed his other side to Kenyans, the old man even cursed on national TV, but we all do that all the time, Kirubi is cool like that. Did I just call the Sultan of swag old man?
So who really is Chris Kirubi? He has his hands on literally everything. Just recently he disposed his 5.5 million Safaricom shares shares. Many would wonder why anyone would sale shares from a company known to make the highest profit in the region. When asked, Kirubi answered that KCB share prices were good and so he cashed in. I mean just like that and you sell and buy? He further added that he employs an active trading strategy at the NSE. In the transaction he is said to have made Sh.38 million profit. He is not a gambler. In the interview he insisted that numbers do not lie, more reason why he makes millions everyday.
He owns the DHL franchise in Kenya, Capital FM, which is among the most popular radio stations in Kenya and is also known for its upmarket listeners so the adverts in the station are not cheap, at all.
Recently he has been on the spotlight because of his trips abroad with the head of state, mainly because of his amazing skills in cutting and making investment deals. He has been to china, South Africa and more recently the USA for the African summit. Odd don't you think that Kirubi has been in the headlines for securing government tenders.More recently being awarded the coal power tender which was about 174 billion through investment firm Centum where he is a majority shareholder.
That put him at a sharp crossroads with lawyers Fred Ngatia and Ahmed Nassir aka The Grand Mulla. When asked about this Kirubi replied to Jeff telling him that a tender is only good when you win it and bad when you lose. He also is said to have merged with a Chinese company to supply the said jubilee laptops. It is no secret Kirubi has used his influence to secure government contracts, he has discovererd a new niche to make quick money.
Did I forget to mention how the tycoon has a lot of praise for the head of state? He and Jeff though they were not campaigning for the president it is too obvious he has full admiration for the man, I bet that did just win him another major tender. You can watch the clip here.
However this big entrepreneur is not exactly all clean as we'd think, get me wrong not, his business deals are not what I mean. "I don't know they're clean or not".
Kirubi has headed large government corporations and brought them down to their knees. Kenatco, a company started in the 70s to offer logistics solutions to traders in the jomo regime. It is said that it is was under his leadership that greedy politicians used the company to smuggle coffee in out of the country, does black gold ring a bell? Did he smuggle? He however became an instant millionaire.
Kenatco was placed under receivership after it failed to service its loans, in short, it became bankrupt. Sixteen years later Kenatco is still under receivership. According to mavulture, at one time it was sayed in parliament that the company's Mercedes limousines were sold for a meagre Sh 500, yes you read right, 500.
As if that is not enough, the Sultan of swag made sure he brought Uchumi down too, well don't know if it was intentional or not, but it just does not get down with me that a company can collapse in the hands of Kenya's leading investor, not one, but two companies. Could it have been he was given a better deal? Or just an unfortunate occurrence, fraud? He however answered fraud charges in the courts.
He is said to have sold the Uchumi house, located at the Aga Khan walk for a mere 147 million ,a building which was worth more than 400 million. That was not enough, after selling, Uchumi was to pay a monthly rent of a whooping 1.7 million. It does take a fool to tell what was happening there.
Something was cooking.
Well what can I say, that is Forbes'(2011) 31st richest man in Africa for you.
#GoBigOrGoHome
Showing posts with label Uhuru Kenyatta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uhuru Kenyatta. Show all posts
Monday, 22 September 2014
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Reason why president Uhuru Kenyatta was heckled in Migori, was he heckled, was he booed?
Migori has been trending on twitter everyday since Monday. This was after the president visited the area to launch an anti-malaria campaign. I haven't watched the footage though, I just have been reading around.
So it is said that, immediately the Migori governor stood to address the crowd, youths who were strategically standing (placed) just in front of the dias started chanting ODM slogans. To which party does the governor belong? From what I gather, his election was challenged it is only after the court of appeal upheld his election did he continue serving, so he is not exactly what we would call a people's favourite.
So there was heckling, youths chanting ODM slogans and chairs were all over shoes were thrown into the dias where the head of state was seated. He however, I read stayed calm. His bodyguards however threw a cordon around his tent to protect him.
The president stood to calm the crowd, his efforts were however futile. He pleaded with the crowd to give each leader a minute to speak but it all fell on deaf ears.
The president finally stood to address the crowd. His address was however characterised by muted jeers and a section of the crowd kept on chanting ODM slogans. Was he heckled, was he booed?
This is however not the first time Uhuru Kenyatta is heckled by the public. In 2013 after his endorsement as president in Kasarani, he and his running mate William Ruto went to Kisii. That however didn't turn out well. The crowd kept on chanting and they were bitter toward the duo, I'm not sure they were eventually given the opportunity to speak that day in Kisii. Compared to this one of Migori, the heckling in Kisii had a cause, though it is still heckling, they complained about replacement of IDPs and Uhuru's performance at the treasury docket, they also kept shouting at Ruto for his performance at the Agriculture and Sports ministries.
I'll take you through some prominent people who were interrupted in their speeches and how it turned out for them, mind you heckling is not always that negative, something positive always comes out of it. I'm still trying to find something positive that came out from the Migori scene, you help me out at the comments section.
Australian prime minister Ben Chiefly was beginning his speech, then when he characteristically asked the audience to lend him their ears, a man was seen throwing a cabbage (rotten) on to the stage. The prime minister singled him out and told him "I said your ears Sir, not your head" That right there was the bomb. This got me thinking. It is said someone threw shoes at the dias, what should Uhuru have told this kind of person?
Did you know that the famous i have a dream speech by Martin Luther King jnr was not meant to be his main speech for that specific day, he was interrupted, or rather heckled.
It is said that Mahalia Jackson interrupted Martin's main speech by telling this to the hero while he read his speech, " tell them, tell them Martin tell them about the dream",
Martin stopped reading his prepared speech and improvised the rest of his new speech. That there came out positive.
Heckling is nothing new especially in the political scenes, we don't just catch feelings and start pointing fingers, no we don't do that. Prominent people have been heckled at and booed at in the past, this includes ;Bill Clinton during his rallies, Obama and his policies, George W. Bush,and the list endless. It is only right the president reaches out to all kenyans, and by the way, he handled it so cool, he was very calm and composed.
So it is said that, immediately the Migori governor stood to address the crowd, youths who were strategically standing (placed) just in front of the dias started chanting ODM slogans. To which party does the governor belong? From what I gather, his election was challenged it is only after the court of appeal upheld his election did he continue serving, so he is not exactly what we would call a people's favourite.
So there was heckling, youths chanting ODM slogans and chairs were all over shoes were thrown into the dias where the head of state was seated. He however, I read stayed calm. His bodyguards however threw a cordon around his tent to protect him.
The president stood to calm the crowd, his efforts were however futile. He pleaded with the crowd to give each leader a minute to speak but it all fell on deaf ears.
The president finally stood to address the crowd. His address was however characterised by muted jeers and a section of the crowd kept on chanting ODM slogans. Was he heckled, was he booed?
This is however not the first time Uhuru Kenyatta is heckled by the public. In 2013 after his endorsement as president in Kasarani, he and his running mate William Ruto went to Kisii. That however didn't turn out well. The crowd kept on chanting and they were bitter toward the duo, I'm not sure they were eventually given the opportunity to speak that day in Kisii. Compared to this one of Migori, the heckling in Kisii had a cause, though it is still heckling, they complained about replacement of IDPs and Uhuru's performance at the treasury docket, they also kept shouting at Ruto for his performance at the Agriculture and Sports ministries.
I'll take you through some prominent people who were interrupted in their speeches and how it turned out for them, mind you heckling is not always that negative, something positive always comes out of it. I'm still trying to find something positive that came out from the Migori scene, you help me out at the comments section.
Australian prime minister Ben Chiefly was beginning his speech, then when he characteristically asked the audience to lend him their ears, a man was seen throwing a cabbage (rotten) on to the stage. The prime minister singled him out and told him "I said your ears Sir, not your head" That right there was the bomb. This got me thinking. It is said someone threw shoes at the dias, what should Uhuru have told this kind of person?
Did you know that the famous i have a dream speech by Martin Luther King jnr was not meant to be his main speech for that specific day, he was interrupted, or rather heckled.
It is said that Mahalia Jackson interrupted Martin's main speech by telling this to the hero while he read his speech, " tell them, tell them Martin tell them about the dream",
Martin stopped reading his prepared speech and improvised the rest of his new speech. That there came out positive.
Heckling is nothing new especially in the political scenes, we don't just catch feelings and start pointing fingers, no we don't do that. Prominent people have been heckled at and booed at in the past, this includes ;Bill Clinton during his rallies, Obama and his policies, George W. Bush,and the list endless. It is only right the president reaches out to all kenyans, and by the way, he handled it so cool, he was very calm and composed.
Saturday, 19 October 2013
This man, Tony Gachoka
Tony Gachoka is a man of many titles. Activist, self-proclaimed political strategist, media consultant, the list is endless.
This is a man you can not wish away. Ask the mother, I am told he was cursed after he used the family coffee plantation to secure a loan in order to start a business which only did well just in the early periods of inception.
Even his young sister Ciku Muiruri,I hear was mad at him after the bank came calling, wanting to auction the piece of land.
But who is Gachoka? This man is easily connected to everyone, including the president. They have history by the way.
So he even helped Ciku get a job in the Uhuru Kenyatta dream team in the campaign team, she was virtual head of media team, if my memory serves me right.
One would wonder, how did Tony get up there? Trust you me, there is a mystery around this man that no one seems to get right, but one thing is a fact, he is up there, the man is on top of his league I tell you.
Does it matter how he got up there? That is you to decide, however opportunity comes to everyone, difference is how you go about it. Don't be too ambitious, compose yourself and go for it.
A friend once told me to always go where the grass is greener, meaning that where you are the grass might be green but if you see healthier and greener grass, why not?
In the 2007 elections, TG, as he is popularly known, was Raila Odinga's confidante, courtesy of Mama Ngilu they say. He was in the wagon probably because he was sure of Odinga's victory. But he dropped after, after gathering all nailing evidence that Raila had a role to play in the PEV, which I don't think it was significant, that was probably to seduce Uhuru.
But sure he got a job as a campaign strategist, he probably is something in state house right now.
By the way Gachoka and Uhuru have history. In the late 80s and early 90s, when Gachoka had just started his paper sunday post, which was more of an expose by the way. His contacts with Gideon Moi helped him big time. That's how he met Uhuru, and they clicked right away. Mind you, he enjoyed trips to S.A with the first family during those weekends.
So when someone says that it is Ngilu who fixed him in the jubilee alliance, I wonder.
Listening to Tony Gachoka on n Jeff Koinange Live, I wouldn't help myself but just marvel with admiration .
He even became my Shujaa right away.
With the determination of a buffalo, his voice roaring like a lion, with valour inherited from a legend probably Waiyaki, I could see an older me. He is a great debator, he is an asset to Uhuruto, problem is his loyalty can't be predicted. He could be working for you, while scheming only to backstab you after he leaves.
But he inspires me, personally.
This is a man you can not wish away. Ask the mother, I am told he was cursed after he used the family coffee plantation to secure a loan in order to start a business which only did well just in the early periods of inception.
Even his young sister Ciku Muiruri,I hear was mad at him after the bank came calling, wanting to auction the piece of land.
But who is Gachoka? This man is easily connected to everyone, including the president. They have history by the way.
So he even helped Ciku get a job in the Uhuru Kenyatta dream team in the campaign team, she was virtual head of media team, if my memory serves me right.
One would wonder, how did Tony get up there? Trust you me, there is a mystery around this man that no one seems to get right, but one thing is a fact, he is up there, the man is on top of his league I tell you.
Does it matter how he got up there? That is you to decide, however opportunity comes to everyone, difference is how you go about it. Don't be too ambitious, compose yourself and go for it.
A friend once told me to always go where the grass is greener, meaning that where you are the grass might be green but if you see healthier and greener grass, why not?
In the 2007 elections, TG, as he is popularly known, was Raila Odinga's confidante, courtesy of Mama Ngilu they say. He was in the wagon probably because he was sure of Odinga's victory. But he dropped after, after gathering all nailing evidence that Raila had a role to play in the PEV, which I don't think it was significant, that was probably to seduce Uhuru.
But sure he got a job as a campaign strategist, he probably is something in state house right now.
By the way Gachoka and Uhuru have history. In the late 80s and early 90s, when Gachoka had just started his paper sunday post, which was more of an expose by the way. His contacts with Gideon Moi helped him big time. That's how he met Uhuru, and they clicked right away. Mind you, he enjoyed trips to S.A with the first family during those weekends.
So when someone says that it is Ngilu who fixed him in the jubilee alliance, I wonder.
Listening to Tony Gachoka on n Jeff Koinange Live, I wouldn't help myself but just marvel with admiration .
He even became my Shujaa right away.
With the determination of a buffalo, his voice roaring like a lion, with valour inherited from a legend probably Waiyaki, I could see an older me. He is a great debator, he is an asset to Uhuruto, problem is his loyalty can't be predicted. He could be working for you, while scheming only to backstab you after he leaves.
But he inspires me, personally.
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Ambassador Amina Mohammed
This is an iron lady. I sat down today and listened to her press briefing about the AU meetings and I can tell you, she is a boss.
Amina has a way of speaking, when she talks, you listen. Her voice, drunk with authority, her lips curving and shaping the words that hit your ears like thunder with excitement. You can't help but wait for the more words to come.
With very high diplomatic skills, Amina Mohammed is just the woman for the job, you see ambassador Amina has a way of answering questions that even journalists themselves aren't able to trap her.
Listening to her answering questions today I would only laugh quietly to myself. She has got the right words for the moment. I would only pity the helpless journalists.
Ambassador Amina does not answer your question, she makes you think she has. But the funny thing is that even the journalists themselves don't realise this, and even if they do they don't say.
So what is the magic and the charm behind this diplomat?
Born and Brought up in Kakamega county, Amalemba constituency. She attended her primary education just around the county. She later went to Butere girls for high school education, after which she attended highlands school. She won a scholarship to study international law in Ukraine and that my good people, is how the road started, say starting from the bottom.
But What makes her so outstanding? Many things. This lady, who is fluent in more than five languages including Russian and French is a lot of every thing. She has working experience of more than 25 years in the international arena, 26 years precisely, and I can tell you in every place she has been, she has left marks.
It's a no wonder therefore that this 52 year old has many honours and awards to her name including The National Award of Chief of Burning Spear(CBS).
She has worked in various ministries as a permanent secretary before becoming the cabinet secretary in the Uhuru administration in the early quarter of this year.
In the ministry of justice, Amina did a lot for the country, she supervised drafting, negotiation national referendum and promulgation of the new constitution in 2008 to 2010.
In the ministry of foreign affairs Ambassador Amina was instrumental in restructuring, reforming and rationalising the ministry and also other missions abroad.
At the UNEP, Ambassador Amina spearhead the UNEP medium term strategy and programmes.
At the world trade organisation (WTO) Amina did among other things drafting and interpretation of international trade treaties and not forgetting representing Kenya's interests at the WTO.
So what is unique about this mother of two,who balances between being a mother, a wife and a diplomat?
It is no surprise that even my kind, the fourth estate, find it a nightmare to pin her down.
She is really an inspiration to many including myself.
Amina has a way of speaking, when she talks, you listen. Her voice, drunk with authority, her lips curving and shaping the words that hit your ears like thunder with excitement. You can't help but wait for the more words to come.
With very high diplomatic skills, Amina Mohammed is just the woman for the job, you see ambassador Amina has a way of answering questions that even journalists themselves aren't able to trap her.
Listening to her answering questions today I would only laugh quietly to myself. She has got the right words for the moment. I would only pity the helpless journalists.
Ambassador Amina does not answer your question, she makes you think she has. But the funny thing is that even the journalists themselves don't realise this, and even if they do they don't say.
So what is the magic and the charm behind this diplomat?
Born and Brought up in Kakamega county, Amalemba constituency. She attended her primary education just around the county. She later went to Butere girls for high school education, after which she attended highlands school. She won a scholarship to study international law in Ukraine and that my good people, is how the road started, say starting from the bottom.
But What makes her so outstanding? Many things. This lady, who is fluent in more than five languages including Russian and French is a lot of every thing. She has working experience of more than 25 years in the international arena, 26 years precisely, and I can tell you in every place she has been, she has left marks.
It's a no wonder therefore that this 52 year old has many honours and awards to her name including The National Award of Chief of Burning Spear(CBS).
She has worked in various ministries as a permanent secretary before becoming the cabinet secretary in the Uhuru administration in the early quarter of this year.
In the ministry of justice, Amina did a lot for the country, she supervised drafting, negotiation national referendum and promulgation of the new constitution in 2008 to 2010.
In the ministry of foreign affairs Ambassador Amina was instrumental in restructuring, reforming and rationalising the ministry and also other missions abroad.
At the UNEP, Ambassador Amina spearhead the UNEP medium term strategy and programmes.
At the world trade organisation (WTO) Amina did among other things drafting and interpretation of international trade treaties and not forgetting representing Kenya's interests at the WTO.
So what is unique about this mother of two,who balances between being a mother, a wife and a diplomat?
It is no surprise that even my kind, the fourth estate, find it a nightmare to pin her down.
She is really an inspiration to many including myself.
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