The Hidden Powers Behind Presidential Campaigns: The Role of Financial Backers

 I discussed the close advisers to Kenya's most influential leaders, focusing on the key players who influence political decisions. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it, especially for those interested in political predictions. Just like in football, where the best tactics often lead to victory, in politics, it’s the advisers who craft the winning strategies that matter.

One viewer, however, raised an interesting point—how could I leave out Jim Ong’i, who is constantly by Raila Odinga’s side? Surely, he must be a key adviser. But here’s the thing: it’s entirely possible to be a close confidant without being an adviser. This got me thinking about something that Kenyans should pay closer attention to—those who finance presidential campaigns.

This topic is undeniably controversial, but it’s crucial to face the truth, even if it challenges popular opinions. What I’m about to discuss may not sit well with some, especially those who ardently support Raila Odinga. I respect Raila deeply; he’s dedicated his life, often at great personal risk, to fighting for a better Kenya. However, here on this channel, we remain neutral. We’re not funded by any candidate or institution; rather, we’re supported by ordinary Kenyans who want a better future for the next generation.

Let’s dive into the issue of presidential campaign financing, especially when it comes to one key figure: Jimmy Wanjigi. He’s a billionaire businessman, and his role in Kenya’s political landscape is both fascinating and disturbing. To understand this fully, we need to take a step back.

In 2013, it’s widely known that Wanjigi was a major financier behind the Jubilee campaign, which helped propel Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto to power. What makes this interesting is that financiers of presidential campaigns, especially businesspeople like Wanjigi, usually remain neutral, donating to both sides to protect their interests no matter the outcome. But Wanjigi didn’t do that. Instead, he bet on Jubilee, knowing—perhaps through insider information—that they were poised to win.

Why was this so significant? In politics, financing a campaign is an expensive, high-stakes game. Businessmen like Wanjigi don’t risk their fortunes without a solid understanding of how things will unfold. His support for Jubilee was not just about ideological alignment but about ensuring he would benefit from facilitating major government deals. During the Kibaki era, Wanjigi built significant connections, which likely gave him insights into how the 2013 election would play out.

Now, let’s explore how Wanjigi’s financial backing paid off. Once Jubilee secured power, deals began flowing, with Wanjigi positioned to benefit handsomely. A notable example was the Greenfield Terminal project at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he played a crucial role. However, after the deal was announced in 2013, it was mysteriously canceled in 2016, along with other projects Wanjigi had facilitated. This raised suspicions—something had gone wrong.

Many believe that Deputy President William Ruto played a key role in blocking Wanjigi’s deals within the Jubilee government, but the core issue remains: financing a presidential campaign requires vast amounts of money, often in the billions. The 2013 election alone saw candidates spending no less than KSh 120 billion, not including funds directed to down-ballot candidates. For financiers, the stakes are huge, and their return on investment is often uncertain. This explains why Wanjigi switched sides in 2017, surprising many when he became a prominent supporter of Raila Odinga’s NASA campaign.

The bigger question now is: What happens in future elections? With the ongoing fight against corruption, it’s crucial to understand who will finance future campaigns and the interests they represent. Wanjigi is not the only one with the financial muscle to support a presidential run. The issue is that these financiers’ interests may not align with the needs of ordinary Kenyans. Their focus is on maintaining influence and securing lucrative government deals, not necessarily on the welfare of the electorate.

In conclusion, the connections between figures like Wanjigi and Raila Odinga are concerning, as they highlight the complicated and often murky relationship between political power and big money. As we move forward, we must consider the implications of campaign financing on the future of Kenya. These powerful financiers will continue to shape political outcomes, but the real question remains: Who will truly benefit in the end?