Rwathia village, nestled in Kangema, Murang’a County, has gained fame as the birthplace of some of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals.
Many of the billionaires from this central Kenya village have built business empires that extend beyond Nairobi to other African capitals.
John Kibunga Kimani
John Kibunga Kimani is one of Kenya’s most discreet billionaires.
He serves as a Non-Executive Director at Kakuzi Plc and is among the largest investors in blue-chip stocks on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). His stock investments are valued at over Sh. 1 billion.
Kimani also owns a significant stake in Nation Media Group, estimated at Sh. 400 million.
In 2019, he earned $800,000 by selling more than 3 million shares in Total Kenya, where he had been a major shareholder for years.
At the time, he was the second-largest investor in the company, after Total SA of France, which holds a 93.96% controlling stake.
Late Chris Kirubi
The late Chris Kirubi was a household name in Kenya’s business circles.
At one point, his stake in Centum Investments was valued at nearly Sh. 6 billion.
This was just one of many investments by Kirubi, whose interests spanned banking, farming, manufacturing, and real estate, including the renowned Two Rivers Mall.
James Mwangi
James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Group, is a banking titan in East Africa.
His declared stake in Equity Bank is worth Sh. 5 billion, along with an additional Sh. 650 million in Britam.
Mwangi, a member of the Rwathia generation that inherited their fathers’ entrepreneurial spirit, has taken Equity Bank to new heights.
The bank, with over 10 million customers across six African countries, is now the largest commercial bank in Africa by customer numbers.
Equity recently announced plans to expand into Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia, solidifying its regional presence.
Jimnah Mbaru
Jimnah Mbaru, another prominent figure from Rwathia, is one of Kenya’s most respected business magnates.
As a veteran investment banker, his stakes in various companies listed on the NSE are valued at billions of shillings.
Mbaru’s influence extends through Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, a key player in Kenya’s corporate world.
Benson Wairegi
Benson Wairegi, the former Managing Director of Britam, also hails from Rwathia.
His stake in Britam is worth approximately Sh. 900 million.
He holds additional investments in companies like Equity Bank and Housing Finance, ensuring his billionaire status.
Peter Munga
Peter Munga, the founder and former Chairman of Equity Group, has left a lasting legacy in Kenya’s entrepreneurial history.
His stake in Equity Bank and other NSE-listed companies is valued in billions of shillings.
However, Munga’s career has not been without controversy.
He has been implicated in financial disputes, including the sale of a stake in Britam by the Mauritius government.
The billionaires from Rwathia village exemplify entrepreneurial success, having built businesses that transcend borders and impact industries across Africa. Their collective wealth and influence continue to shape Kenya’s economic landscape.
