Brian Wasuna
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Monobrow | Moustache enthusiast | Reporter at @NationAfrica | Views here are my own
Articles by Brian Wasuna
How Odinga empire changed after Raila
A year after Raila Odinga’s death, the business empire that he quietly built has braved the void left by the influential politician, with several shifts being initiated in the operations and shareholding of some of the entities in this commercial network. East African Spectre, the jewel of the Odinga family, has even made a bold move, with the 50-year-old gas cylinder manufacturer shifting its operations to a bigger plant equipped with the latest machinery in January this year.
How Odinga empire changed after Raila
A year after Raila Odinga’s death, the business empire that he quietly built has braved the void left by the influential politician, with several shifts being initiated in the operations and shareholding of some of the entities in this commercial network. East African Spectre, the jewel of the Odinga family, has even made a bold move, with the 50-year-old gas cylinder manufacturer shifting its operations to a bigger plant equipped with the latest machinery in January this year.
Hospital’s Sh476m blocks SHA debt audit of NHIF debts Original
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has been blocked from auditing historical debt to hospitals by its predecessor – the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) – pending the determination of a case filed by a hospital in Kinoo claiming Sh476.2 million. St Peters Orthopaedics and Surgical Specialty Centre obtained an order after suing for being left out of the list of institutions whose debt SHA was to audit before settling the historical NHIF payments.
'Imperfect is not illegal': Why Housing Levy survived court test
What you need to know: The Court of Appeal held that an imperfection in a specific piece of legislation is not enough to shoot it down. The petitioners argued that the Housing Act was passed without engaging the NLC or considering its views. The Court of Appeal has held that perfection, or the lack of it, is not reason enough to strike down legislation, even if a section of the population is unhappy with it.
'Imperfect is not illegal': Why Housing Levy survived court test
What you need to know: The Court of Appeal held that an imperfection in a specific piece of legislation is not enough to shoot it down. The petitioners argued that the Housing Act was passed without engaging the NLC or considering its views. The Court of Appeal has held that perfection, or the lack of it, is not reason enough to strike down legislation, even if a section of the population is unhappy with it.
How 51 'ghost' medics stole Sh90 million from Homa Bay County Original
Caption for the landscape image: Homa Bay Referral Hospital. What you need to know: At one point, Dr Walter was working in Mombasa, Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties at the same time. Between June, 2016 and August, 2021 when the Homa Bay salary payments were stopped, Dr Walter received Sh10.9 million. He was one of 51 “ghosts” who drained Sh89.6 million from Homa Bay’s coffers between 2015 and 2019. To the layman’s eye, Adel Ottoman Walter looked like a hard worker.
Insurance crisis: Fire, floods and the growing fight for billions in payouts
After a blending silo collapsed at Mombasa Cement’s plant on August 1, 2011, the firm lodged a compensation claim for Sh1.64 billion with its underwriter, Kenindia Insurance, which declined to pay up. It took 15 years in the courts for Mombasa Cement to get a win, which saw the compensation balloon to Sh4.2 billion. For Britind Industries, its premises were burned down by a fire on December 31, 2015.
Henry Mwingirwa, the Kenyan behind Zambia’s Sh26bn maize deal
There are few quicker routes to fame, or infamy, in Kenya than standing between the country and its staple ugali, whether as a bridge or an obstacle. After nearly three decades of building an expansive business empire away from the spotlight, Henry Mwingirwa is about to face that test as his entry into maize imports could help shape the ugali millions of Kenyans will eat.
Henry Mwingirwa, the Kenyan behind Zambia’s Sh26bn maize deal
There are few quicker routes to fame, or infamy, in Kenya than standing between the country and its staple ugali, whether as a bridge or an obstacle. After nearly three decades of building an expansive business empire away from the spotlight, Henry Mwingirwa is about to face that test as his entry into maize imports could help shape the ugali millions of Kenyans will eat.
KCB to take over Kilimani apartments in Sh2bn row
KCB Bank has been allowed to place apartment blocks owned by Northcote Business Centre under administration to recover defaulted $16 million (Sh2 billion) loans. Northcote borrowed the sums from National Bank of Kenya and are part of the loan portfolio that KCB inherited after acquiring National Bank in October, 2019. KCB appointed an administrator on December 4, 2025 who took possession of the apartments on December 16, 2025.
Why court dismissed families’ adverse possession land claim
When the Kwale lands court conducted a site visit to a 10-acre parcel in Diani on February 28, 2025, the judge was looking for signs of decades-old occupation by four families as claimed in a case before him. The families of Mohamed Mambo, Juma Kimbirwa, Suleiman Mwalali and Mwinyi Juma Bugu had claimed that at the time property developers started putting up luxury villas on the land, they had occupied it for between 20 and 40 years.
Waiyaki family loses fight for Nyari apartments
The family of former Foreign Affairs minister Munyua Waiyaki has been ordered to surrender four apartments in Nyari it unlawfully took from buyers before renting them out during a protracted dispute. Rosslyn House Ltd and Rosslyn House Management Ltd, which are co-owned by the former minister’s kin, have been ordered to surrender the four apartments to their buyers, who had paid for the units in full.
Waiyaki family loses fight for Nyari apartments
The family of former Foreign Affairs minister Munyua Waiyaki has been ordered to surrender four apartments in Nyari it unlawfully took from buyers before renting them out during a protracted dispute. Rosslyn House Ltd and Rosslyn House Management Ltd, which are co-owned by the former minister’s kin, have been ordered to surrender the four apartments to their buyers, who had paid for the units in full.
Peponi School crash: DPP wants coverup probe as man wants to plead guilty
Usually, accused persons deny charges in court and celebrate if prosecutors seek to withdraw the case. But on Tuesday morning, the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera faced an unusual objection. When the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) applied to withdraw its case against a man charged with causing the death of two Peponi School students, the accused person objected to the move, insisting that he had a ready confession. The two Peponi School students were both foreign nationals.
Ruaraka land saga: EACC demands Sh2.5bn refund from Matiang’i, PS Belio
The anti-graft agency is demanding nearly Sh2.5 billion from 25 individuals and companies, including former CS Fred Matiang’i and Immigration PS Belio Kipsang, to recover payments to private firms for 13.77 acres in Ruaraka that the government already owned. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has written demand letters to the 25, seeking restitution totaling Sh1.5 billion with annual interest of 12 per cent from January, 2018 when the monies were paid to Whispering Palms Estate Ltd.
Sex, power and silence: Inside Kenya's workplace harassment problem Original
On May 6, 1991, Nancy's supervisor, identified as a Mr Maina, physically assaulted her in his office. She reported the assault. Nothing was done. Six years later, on October 14, 1997, another supervisor, only identified as Mr Mathenge, suspended her from work after she refused his sexual advances. It would take her more than two decades, and a fight through Kenya's courts, to get justice.
Mystery firm buys 25pc of SportPesa
In just four years, the ownership of Milestone Games Ltd, the holding company that operates the SportPesa brand in Kenya, has moved from being dominated by a few Kenyan tycoons to being led by a UAE-registered company. The dramatic ownership changes have also seen little-known Commtech Consortium Ltd acquire a 25 per cent stake in Milestone Games, and quietly exit ownership of another company providing the digital platform for Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) in a Sh104.8 billion deal.
Mystery firm buys 25pc of SportPesa
In just four years, the ownership of Milestone Games Ltd, the holding company that operates the SportPesa brand in Kenya, has moved from being dominated by a few Kenyan tycoons to being led by a UAE-registered company. The dramatic ownership changes have also seen little-known Commtech Consortium Ltd acquire a 25 per cent stake in Milestone Games, and quietly exit ownership of another company providing the digital platform for Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) in a Sh104.8 billion deal.
Tanzania report raises red flags for Kenya's sole KEBS imports vehicle inspector
In 2025, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) was carrying out due diligence on firms which bid for a used vehicles pre-shipment inspection contract when its agents visited Japan. At Daikoku Futo in Yokohama and 77 Shihonagicho in Nagoya, the agents were viewing what happens in inspection sites owned and operated by Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ), which was among the bidders.
Tanzania report raises red flags for Kenya's sole KEBS imports vehicle inspector
In 2025, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) was carrying out due diligence on firms which bid for a used vehicles pre-shipment inspection contract when its agents visited Japan. At Daikoku Futo in Yokohama and 77 Shihonagicho in Nagoya, the agents were viewing what happens in inspection sites owned and operated by Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ), which was among the bidders.
The forged road to billions? Japanese tycoons face trial over lucrative Kebs tender fraud Original
On January 27, 2022, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) started evaluating bids for a tender whose winning bidder would inspect used cars and spare parts being imported into Kenya. Among the bidders was EAA Company Ltd, a firm that the Public Procurement Regulatory Board (PPRB) had issued a three-year ban, just months earlier, for using forged documents and false information in two other similar tenders at Kebs between 2014 and 2017.
Inside Kenya’s fake military arms tenders Original
The drive into Kabete Barracks along Waiyaki Way, and the ensuing meeting on October 11, 2023 should have been the fruit of Michael and Kyle Nolan’s labour over several preceding months. The two officials of Dagda Industries, a ballistic equipment supplier registered in the United Kingdom, had travelled to Nairobi from London the previous day to put pen to paper on two contracts – one supposedly with the Interior ministry and another with the Defence ministry.
Cover-up claims rock crash that killed 2 students Original
The night of April 24 was expected to be one of the happiest in the lives of the Peponi School A-Level Class of 2026. Learners, their parents and school staff gathered at Muthaiga Country Club for a leavers’ dinner that evening, marking the end of their school journey. By 3:50am the following morning, however, the mood had changed dramatically. A police constable at Karen Police Station’s radio room received an alert of a serious accident along Ngong Road.
Cover-up claims rock crash that killed 2 Peponi School students
The night of April 24 was expected to be one of the happiest in the lives of the Peponi School A-Level Class of 2026. Learners, their parents and school staff gathered at Muthaiga Country Club for a leavers’ dinner that evening, marking the end of their school journey. By 3:50am the following morning, however, the mood had changed dramatically. A police constable at Karen Police Station’s radio room received an alert of a serious accident along Ngong Road.
Inside deals that opened Kenya to America's Ebola plans Original
By signing a biosecurity agreement with the US on July 24, 2015, Kenya opened her doors to the setting up of research and isolation facilities for diseases classified as biological threats. That agreement gave the US control over projects that would be spawned from it, including selection of contractors and tax exemptions for imported goods and for American workers.
Ric vs landlord: Inside war that nearly killed pioneer Kenyan shoe care brand
In court filings, Doric Industries claimed that for a year to March, 2015, it would send cheques to Aksharap Real Estate Ltd to cover rent for two go-downs along Mombasa Road, but that the landlord would refuse to bank them. Doric Industries is the local firm behind the Ric shoe polish brand. When Doric Industries started operations in 2002, Aksharap Real Estate’s go-downs along Mombasa Road became its first home.
Ric vs landlord: Inside war that nearly killed pioneer Kenyan shoe care brand
In court filings, Doric Industries claimed that for a year to March, 2015, it would send cheques to Aksharap Real Estate Ltd to cover rent for two go-downs along Mombasa Road, but that the landlord would refuse to bank them. Doric Industries is the local firm behind the Ric shoe polish brand. When Doric Industries started operations in 2002, Aksharap Real Estate’s go-downs along Mombasa Road became its first home.
Dead spies, forgery claims and Sh7bn land war Original
From afar, Nature’s Camp Naivasha sells the aura of serenity and peace away from the noisy and polluted city centres across Kenya. But within that calm is a war for the 232.5-acre land hosting Nature’s Camp and other establishments, pitting the families of two former spies in the Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi eras against that of businessman Francis Iganjo Mutahi. The land also hosts other businesses, which have leased space.
War over numbers: Puzzle of State officers disputing official data from agencies Original
A tale is told in Greek mythology of Cassandra, the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy, who was gifted and cursed at the same time by Apollo, the god of prophecy. The princess was given the ability to utter true prophecies, but with a catch – nobody would ever believe her.
‘I have a right to be forgotten’: Tycoon Mary Wambui sues Google on past Sh2.2bn tax case Original
In 2014, Europe’s top court ordered tech giant Google to remove from prominence links to a story detailing financial troubles of Mario Costaje Gonzalez, a move that birthed law changes and a new civil liberty for Europeans – the right to be forgotten. Four years after the judgment, Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation was implemented in the European Union, cementing the right to be forgotten in law.
How Sh710 million dispute ballooned to Sh10.7 billion, threatens auction of Dusit Complex
In Nairobi’s upscale Riverside neighborhood, the 14 Riverside building stands as a symbol of luxury and controversy. The iconic Dusit D2 Hotel, nestled within the property, attracts guests with its five-star amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, spa, multiple restaurants, and 101 rooms and suites spread across a ground-plus-seven-floor hotel block and a four-floor office building. Surrounding it are office blocks, a parking silo, a food court, and landscaped gardens.
How Sh710 million dispute ballooned to Sh10.7 billion, threatens auction of Dusit Complex
In Nairobi’s upscale Riverside neighborhood, the 14 Riverside building stands as a symbol of luxury and controversy. The iconic Dusit D2 Hotel, nestled within the property, attracts guests with its five-star amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, spa, multiple restaurants, and 101 rooms and suites spread across a ground-plus-seven-floor hotel block and a four-floor office building. Surrounding it are office blocks, a parking silo, a food court, and landscaped gardens.
KRA probes Greek firm over tax evasion in Sh2.8bn Knec deal Original
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is investigating Greek firm Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA over alleged evasion of taxes totalling Sh650 million. The taxes stem from a contract for the supply of examination papers for national tests since January 2020. The taxman has written to the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) demanding multiple documents related to the Sh2.8 billion examination papers tender, including the contract signed between it and Inform Lykos.
UDA yahubiri maji ikibugia mvinyo, hailipi ushuru- ripoti
CHAMA cha United Democratic Alliance (UDA) kimemulikwa baada ya ripoti ya Mkaguzi Mkuu wa Hesabu za Serikali Nancy Gathungu kubaini kuwa hakikukata wala kuwasilisha makato ya kisheria ya wafanyakazi wake kwa kipindi cha miaka mitatu, hali inayoweza kudhoofisha ukusanyaji wa mapato na mipango ya afya kwa wote inayopigiwa debe na kiongozi wa chama hicho, Rais William Ruto.
UDA yahubiri maji ikibugia mvinyo, hailipi ushuru- ripoti
Makala UDA yahubiri maji ikibugia mvinyo, hailipi ushuru- ripoti CHAMA cha United Democratic Alliance (UDA) kimemulikwa baada ya ripoti ya Mkaguzi Mkuu wa Hesabu za Serikali Nancy Gathungu kubaini kuwa hakikukata wala kuwasilisha makato ya kisheria ya wafanyakazi wake kwa kipindi cha miaka mitatu, hali inayoweza kudhoofisha ukusanyaji wa mapato na mipango ya afya kwa wote inayopigiwa debe na kiongozi wa chama hicho, Rais William Ruto.
Preach tax, skip it: Puzzle of Ruto party’s unpaid SHA, income tax, housing levy millions Original
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has not remitted tax, national insurer and affordable housing dues from its staff for three years, denting revenue collection and universal healthcare plans by its party leader, President William Ruto. Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu reveals in her most recent report on UDA that the party paid Sh128.2 million in salaries in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years, but failed to deduct and remit the statutory dues from workers.
Swiss firm fights Kenya over second rejected fuel cargo Original
Kenya is staring down the barrel of a costly legal battle after terminating two super petrol import contracts that were outside its exclusive fuel supply deal with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Swiss-owned Oryx Energies Kenya, one of the firms contracted in March to import 96,000 tonnes of super petrol, has written to the Energy ministry rejecting the contract cancellation.
Fuel prices to rise as Saudi firm changes rules Original
The government will have to spend up to Sh16 billion to keep fuel prices unchanged in April, as suppliers say the cost will go even higher for consignments covering the May-August period. Projections by the Energy ministry and correspondence from a supplier under the Government-to-Government arrangement indicate that the US-Iran war could raise the cost of living for Kenyans.
Fresh twist in Sh12bn bad fuel scandal
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Tuesday directed a firm owned by a Mombasa tycoon to take a Sh11.8 billion haircut in an evolving fuel import saga, as the businessman’s One Petroleum Ltd maintained that it shipped in the product after winning a tender in the Ministry of Energy. In a statement, Mr Wandayi ordered One Petroleum, owned by Mr Mohamed Jaffer, to withdraw the 60,000 tonnes of super petrol from the market, arguing that it was illegally imported.
Fresh twist in Sh12bn bad fuel scandal
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Tuesday directed a firm owned by a Mombasa tycoon to take a Sh11.8 billion haircut in an evolving fuel import saga, as the businessman’s One Petroleum Ltd maintained that it shipped in the product after winning a tender in the Ministry of Energy. In a statement, Mr Wandayi ordered One Petroleum, owned by Mr Mohamed Jaffer, to withdraw the 60,000 tonnes of super petrol from the market, arguing that it was illegally imported.
Nicholas Makokha: Man caught up in two NYS scandals Original
When the dramatic first season of documented and reported theft occurred at the NYS in 2015, Nicholas Juma Makokha was at the rank of Chief Inspector, but was serving as a personal assistant to then Director-General Nelson Githinji. Mr Makokha’s name was among several individuals the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigated and handed over to the public prosecutor in the hope of a conviction.
How fuel deal fell top energy bosses Mohamed Liban, Joe Sang and Daniel Kiptoo Original
On Saturday afternoon, the MT Paloma, a crude oil tanker flying a Marshall Islands flag, was steadily sailing past Mozambique, on its way to Port Elizabeth in South Africa. The vessel should have offloaded a 68,000-tonne consignment of petroleum when it left the Port of Mombasa in Kenya on March 30.
Why Swiss firm in Kenya e-visa plan took Sh2bn row to World Bank arbitrators Original
When the World Bank’s arbitration body begins hearing a case filed by Travizory Border Security SA, Kenya will face a twin test: to fend off a Sh2.2 billion claim by the Swiss firm, or risk exposing governance weaknesses that similar cases have previously laid bare in the same forum. Travizory was at the centre of President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to convert Kenya into a visa-free country.
Railway City tender row: How deported Chinese staff could cost Kenyans Sh7bn Original
Kenya has been blocked from deporting, arresting or intimidating employees of a Chinese contractor, whose two officials were expelled as they challenged the award of a Sh30 billion tender for the construction of Railway City to a business rival.
How deported Chinese staff could cost Kenyans Sh7bn in rail tender row
Kenya has been blocked from deporting, arresting or intimidating employees of a Chinese contractor, whose two officials were expelled as they challenged the award of a Sh30 billion tender for the construction of Railway City to a business rival.
Big Four, big shame: World Bank bans put audit industry on trial Original
Globally, few faults would be found in contracting Ernst & Young, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte or KPMG to audit books or oversee governance structures. Even fewer carry the weight of the famed “Big Four” accountancy firms. In less than two years, however, Kenyan arms of two of the Big Four have confessed to the very wrongs that corporates and governments pay them millions of dollars to detect.
Stabex owner defends purchase of Raphael Tuju's Sh3.5bn Karen land Original
On October 1, 2024, thousands of Kenyans were glued to TV proceedings in the National Assembly, where Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse tabled an impeachment motion seeking the removal of then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. As Mr Mutuse alleged to his colleagues that Mr Gachagua had abused office to amass wealth and disinherit relatives, a little-known firm was making a big move.
Nairobi Hospital directors defiant despite Ruto crackdown Original
In court on Monday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stepped out as the complainant whose report to police triggered the arrest of Dr Job Lukuru Obwaka, 80 years old, Dr Chris Bichange Nyamaratandi, lawyer Mr Samson Mbuthia Kinyanjui and Dr Valerie Akinyi Gaya. They all denied charges and were released on Sh5 million bond.
Scandal of 321 Garissa ghost workers who survived audit purge, pocketed Sh731m Original
The devolved government of Garissa expunged 1,315 names from its payroll following an audit by the State Department of Public Service in 2022. The names were believed to be ghost workers whose credentials were being used by rogue officials to steal from the county. Those removed had no personnel files, meaning an equivalent of 32 per cent of the listed workers were merely names and account numbers drawing salaries.
The Sh3.8bn Goldenberg ghost haunting Kenyan taxpayers Original
For a brief moment between 2012 and 2014, a dead man told tales as Westmont Holdings – a Malaysian firm wound up more than a decade earlier – convinced the Court of Appeal to revive its case seeking to recover Sh3.5 billion paid as a deposit for the purchase of the Grand Regency Hotel in 1997.
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