5 Richest People From Ukambani, Their Properties and Businesses

• The Ukambani region in Eastern Kenya has produced some of the country's wealthiest individuals, including Mike Sonko and Harun Mwau
• Sonko revealed he acquired his wealth way before he was elected Makadara Member of Parliament (MP) in 2010
• Former Machakos senator Johnson Muthama has investments in agriculture, mining and real estate, with wealth valued at over KSh 6.5 billion

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

The Ukambani region in Eastern Kenya has produced some of the country's wealthiest individuals, from flashy politicians to successful businesspeople.

Former Machakos senator Johnson Muthama is among the richest people from Ukambani. Photo: Johnson Muthama. Source: Facebook

The region's wealthiest people have invested in diverse economic sectors, including real estate, transport, hospitality, and tourism.

Among them are former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, former Machakos senator Johnstone Muthama, former Kilome Member of Parliament (MP) Harun Mwau, real estate tycoon David Masika, and Peter Muthoka.

1. Mike Sonko

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko hails from Machakos county.

In May 2019, Sonko disclosed he was worth more than the city's annual budget, which was KSh 32 billion at the time.

“I’m worth more than the annual budget of Nairobi, and I’ve got some fixed deposit accounts of about $5 million (KSh 646.1 million) in different banks. And I put this money even way back before I became an MP from the proceeds which I used to get," he told NTV.

The flamboyant politician revealed he acquired wealth way before being elected Makadara parliament member in 2010.

Before venturing into politics, the 49-year-old managed his transport business with his wife, Primrose Mbuvi.

He owns a club in Mombasa, which he revealed earns him over KSh 4 million weekly, beach plots, 300 acres of land in Kajiado, mansions in Mua Hills and Nairobi and a fleet of cars.

2. Johnson Muthama

The former Machakos senator has investments in agriculture, mining and real estate, with wealth valued at over KSh 6.5 billion.

According to Business Daily, Muthama's investments in the mining business made him one of the richest men in Kenya.

Muthama's Rockland Kenya Limited trades in precious stones such as gold, ruby and opal.

The tycoon also owns Nina Marie Ltd, a clothing venture.

3. Harun Mwau

The former Kilome MP started his career in the police service.

He represented Kenya in the 1968 and 972 Summer Olympics. He left the service after failing to shave his beard as required by the rules.

He later ventured into politics, and that's how he accumulated his wealth.

Forbes reported that Mwau was a shareholder in the collapsed Nakumatt supermarket but sold his stake worth $10 million (KSh 1.1 billion in 2016.

According to his Olympics profile, the Kenyan Police's investigations revealed that Mwau's wealth, estimated at over $1 billion (KSh 130 billion), originated from his role as director of 12 independent companies.

The US froze Mwau's assets valued at $750 million (KSh 97 billion) over drug links.

He's associated with Sheltown Limited, Pepe Enterprises Ltd, Mwundo Limited, Harun International Limited, Kuston Kenya Ltd, Tom Brown Ltd, Sports Champions Ltd, and Vitu Limited.

Others are JN Records Ltd, Africa Centre for Hope Initiative Everywhere, JH City Ltd and Preme Ltd.

4. Peter Muthoka

Peter Muthoka is the founder and chief executive officer of Acceler Global Logistics.

Forbes reported that the company generates over $50 million (KSh 6.4 billion) in revenue annually.

He was the largest individual stakeholder of CMC Motors before he sold his stake to the UAE's Al-Futtaim Group in 2014 for about $20 million (KSh 2.5 billion).

5. David Masika

David Masika, from Makueni County, is the founding partner and chairman of Lloyd Masika Limited, a real estate firm he founded with John Lloyd.

Masika worked at Tysons Habenga Ltd from 1974 to 1979 before quitting to start Lloyd Masika Limited.

The firm deals with valuation, sales, and real estate consultancy.

Who are the richest people from Kirinyaga?

In other news, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kirinyaga accounts for 1.3% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The agriculturally rich devolved unit's Gross County Product (GCP) increased from KSh 139.8 billion in 2021 to KSh 160.9 billion in 2022.

Andrew Ngirici, Charles Njiru, and the family of former NIS boss James Kanyotu are among the richest people from Kirinyaga.