Businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, who recently positioned himself as a fearless critic of President William Ruto’s government, is once again facing scrutiny over his alleged involvement in the infamous Anglo-Leasing scandal.
This comes just weeks after Wanjigi was arrested for allegedly funding protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which saw nationwide demonstrations.
Businessman Jimmi Wanjigi. Source: Tuko
He vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused the state of targeting him for political reasons, boldly declaring, “I am not a criminal.”
However, the revelations brought to light by Africa Uncensored on X (formerly Twitter) paint a different picture.
A dossier compiled by anti-corruption advocate John Githongo has reignited public interest in Wanjigi’s past, detailing his connection to the scandal that defrauded the Kenyan government of billions in shady procurement deals.
Businessman Jimmy Richard Wanjigi. Photo: Tuko Source: Faccebook
The dossier names Wanjigi alongside Anura Perera, the Kamani family, and Alfred Getonga, all of whom are implicated in the illicit contracts.
The Anglo-Leasing scandal involved companies like Sound Day Corporation and Apex Finance, which were linked to the Kamani family but now appear to have further connections to Wanjigi.
Though the Kamanis were acquitted due to “inexplicable cherry-picking” by the courts, new documents obtained by Africa Uncensored hint at crucial evidence tying Wanjigi to the companies that siphoned billions from the government.
Wanjigi’s arrest for allegedly bankrolling the anti-Finance Bill protests had seen him take the moral high ground, positioning himself as a man of the people, vocal against government excesses.
He framed himself as a victim of political persecution, proclaiming that his activism was in the interest of the ordinary Kenyan.
The Anglo-Leasing scandal’s reemergence, however, may complicate his political ambitions, particularly as he eyes the presidency in the 2027 elections.
While Wanjigi has successfully navigated past controversies, the latest exposé adds fuel to the fire, casting doubt on his image as a pro-people leader.
The businessman’s links to some of Kenya’s most notorious corruption figures, including Anura Perera, a Sri Lankan businessman tied to over Ksh. 13.949 billion in irregular contracts, raises questions about the authenticity of his recent anti-corruption stance.
As the Finance Bill 2024 protests fade, the Anglo-Leasing scandal threatens to overshadow Wanjigi’s carefully curated political persona.
The Kenyan public is now left questioning whether Wanjigi is truly a reformist or just another beneficiary of the country’s deep-rooted corruption network.
