THE U.S. EXPOSES EXTENTS WENT BY KENYAN POLITICIANS TO RALLY DIASPORA SUPPORT

President William Ruto, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, former Premier Raila Odinga, Ex- President Uhuru Kenyatta and businessman Jimmy Wanjigi are facing renewed scrutiny after the U.S. has revealed the scale of Kenyan political lobbying in Washington.

Documents filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) showed that Kenyan political figures and their associates have committed huge sums—estimated at more than Sh1 billion—to top U.S. lobbying firms. The goal, according to the filings, is to win favor among influential circles in Washington .

The revelations, reported by the Daily Nation, place Ruto, Matiang’i and Wanjigi in the same bracket as their predecessors, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who also turned to lobbyists in the past to strengthen diplomatic ties and secure visibility abroad.

Critics have condemned the trend, warning that pouring billions into foreign lobbying while Kenyans struggle with rising living costs sends the wrong message. “This is money that could be fixing hospitals or schools, not chasing clout in Washington,” one political analyst said.

Wanjigi, however, was quoted defending the practice, insisting that international partnerships are vital for Kenya’s global image and influence.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the disclosures are likely to fuel more political tension, with rival camps accusing each other of seeking foreign support out of desperation.