Rigathi Gachagua

Kenya, Uganda
William Ruto gives assurances after Kampala takes stake in Kenya Pipeline Co

The head of state is telling his allies that Kampala did not impose any conditions on its shareholding in the former state-owned company. Keen to fend off opposition criticism, he wants to make the partial privatisation of KPC one of the key achievements of his term in office.

Kenya
Ruto revives his religious networks

The president's entourage is seeking to forge closer ties with the Presbyterian Church, which is very popular in central Kenya. In recent months, the head of state has lost support in this region while continuing to win over the western part of the country, including through religious circles.

Kenya
Security services on alert over volatile social climate

Public anger is mounting for a number of reasons and people are expected to take to the streets by the end of June. Police and intelligence agencies have stepped up surveillance and advised that the army be kept on standby in case protests spiral.

Kenya, Sudan
Trump administration probes Nairobi on RSF ties

The Kenyan authorities want to avoid any American sanctions, at a time when Washington plans to take a tougher stance against Sudanese paramilitaries and their allies. Despite the increasing evidence presented by his opponents, William Ruto pleads neutrality in this conflict.

Kenya
Kipchimchim targets tea assets of Ruto ally David Langat

Undergoing rapid expansion since the head of state took office, the conglomerate continues to develop its tea division. Discussions are currently underway for the takeover of a struggling tea plantation.

Palace Intrigues
Rachel Ruto, Michael Randrianirina, Saif al-Islam

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaRachel Ruto set to enter the presidential campaign

MadagascarFrom Rajoelina to Randrianirina, businessman Nasser Goulamhoussen tends to his varying networks

Libya-FranceRelatives of ‘martyr' Saif al-Islam Gaddafi organise ceremony

Kenya
Business community in the central region treads carefully amid rising tensions

With 18 months to go before the next presidential election, senior figures in the private sector, along with political and traditional leaders, are keen to avoid any direct confrontation with the head of state's camp in order to safeguard the region's economic interests.

Palace Intrigues
William Ruto, Florentino Pérez, Ibrahim Magassa

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

KenyaWilliam Ruto's two-pronged crusade against alcohol and drugs

Ivory CoastIvorian banker Ibrahim Magassa teams up with Real Madrid's Florentino Pérez

KenyaKikuyu Elders' particularly political New Year's Eve

Kenya
iTea steps onto Mombasa tea auction scene

The company, which has been dormant since 2016, is being pushed by the tea regulator to offer its classification solutions based on laboratory tests. The move is part of William Ruto's strategy to provide guarantees to producers from his stronghold.

Kenya
Ruto looks to bring onside rising star in west George Natembeya

The by-elections sped up the rise of the governor of Trans-Nzoia county. Seeking out new electors since the death of his ally Raila Odinga, the head of state is keen to secure the support of this opponent and is even willing to offer him a place in the front row for the forthcoming presidential campaign.

Kenya
Snubbed by business heads, Rigathi Gachagua joins forces with the rest of the opposition

The former deputy president's aggressive style has deterred business leaders in the Central region, who want to preserve their commercial empires. Some fear reprisals from the head of state, or prefer to remain loyal to his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Ruto's opponents remain tight-lipped on Tanzanian and Ugandan comrades' detention

The Kenyan president's main opponents are preferring to keep quiet about the fate of their counterparts imprisoned in neighbouring countries, for fear of creating diplomatic tensions.