William Ruto, Kenya’s Deputy President, has amassed significant wealth over the years. His portfolio spans real estate, hospitality, agriculture, aviation, and financial services. Here’s an overview of his known assets:
Real Estate and Land Holdings
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Sugoi Farm, Uasin Gishu County: A 430-acre estate featuring a luxurious mansion, poultry farming operations, and maize production. Estimated value ranges from KSh 1.2 billion to KSh 2 billion (approximately $9.8 million to $16.4 million USD), based on land prices and infrastructure.
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Uasin Gishu Residence: A lavish property in Eldoret, spanning 20 acres, with multiple mansions, an artificial lake, and a private airstrip. Valued at approximately KSh 1.2 billion ($9.8 million USD).
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Karen Residences, Nairobi: Multiple private homes in this upscale area, with one property estimated at KSh 500 million ($4.1 million USD).
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Kilgoris Property: A 2,000-acre estate in Trans Mara, featuring a grand home with nearly 35 rooms, often used to host dignitaries. Its value is not precisely documented but is likely significant given its size and features.
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Other Land Holdings: Ruto is reported to own extensive tracts of land across Kenya, including:
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976 acres at Murumbi Farm in Trans Mara.
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15,000 acres at Mutara Farm in Laikipia.
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2,536 acres at Mata Farm in Taita Taveta.
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Additional urban and rural properties, such as Osere Flats in Rongai (valued at KSh 500 million, or $4.1 million USD).
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Hospitality and Commercial Ventures
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Weston Hotel, Nairobi: A five-star hotel along Lang’ata Road, linked to Ruto through companies like Priority Ltd. and Monene Investments. Estimated worth exceeds KSh 2.5 billion ($20.5 million USD), though it has been embroiled in legal disputes over land ownership.
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Dolphin Hotel, Mombasa: A 102-bed hotel in Shanzu, co-managed with Weston Hotel, with an estimated value of several hundred million Kenyan shillings. Ruto reportedly invested KSh 600 million ($4.9 million USD) during its construction.
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Easton Apartments, Eastlands: Residential properties in Nairobi contributing to his real estate portfolio.
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Oseng Properties Limited and Orterter Enterprises Limited: Real estate firms with combined assets estimated at KSh 3.5 billion ($28.7 million USD).
Agricultural and Poultry Businesses
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Ruto Poultry Farm, Turbo: Located on his Sugoi estate, this 430-acre operation reportedly houses 200,000 chickens, generating millions in annual revenue. Ruto has claimed it earns him KSh 1.5 million daily ($12,300 USD) from egg sales alone. Estimated value of the poultry business is around KSh 750 million ($6.1 million USD).
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Maize and Other Farming: His farms produce maize and other crops, adding to his agricultural income.
Transport and Aviation
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Helicopters: Ruto owns five helicopters operated through Kwae Island Development Ltd (KIDL Helicopters), based at Wilson Airport in Nairobi. A single helicopter (e.g., an Airbus model) is valued between KSh 500 million and KSh 1 billion ($4.1 million to $8.2 million USD), putting the total value at approximately KSh 1.3 billion to KSh 5 billion ($10.6 million to $41 million USD).
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Private Jet: Used for personal and political travel, though specific ownership details and value are less documented.
Financial Stakes and Investments
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Africa Merchant Assurance Company (Amaco): Ruto holds a minority stake (50,000 shares via Yegen Farms Limited) in this insurance firm, with assets reportedly worth KSh 3 billion to KSh 5 billion ($24.6 million to $41 million USD).
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Stocks: He has disclosed owning 400,000 Safaricom shares and 80,000 Kenya Airways shares.
Ruto’s wealth has been a subject of public interest and scrutiny. His ownership of Weston Hotel, for instance, has been mired in controversy over land acquisition. In 2019, Ruto admitted that the land was acquired illegally by the original owners who sold it to him, and he expressed willingness to compensate the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for the land.
Furthermore, his extensive land holdings have raised questions, especially concerning parcels like the 900-acre piece that formerly belonged to Joseph Murumbi, Kenya’s second Vice President. Reports suggest that the acquisition process of this land was irregular, leading to public debate.
While Ruto’s investments in agriculture, particularly his poultry farm in Turbo, have been highlighted as successful ventures, the sheer scale and rapid accumulation of his wealth continue to be points of discussion among Kenyans.
It’s essential to note that while these assets are publicly attributed to Ruto, the exact details and valuations may vary, and some information might not be fully disclosed.
As with many public figures, the intersection of wealth accumulation and public service remains a topic of ongoing debate and scrutiny in Kenya.
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