Politicians in Kenya dominate the list of helicopter owners in the country, alongside businessmen, government agencies and aviation firms. When not using them to move between various campaign events and political functions, many hire out their choppers helping generate additional revenue and cover maintenance costs.
Some politicians own multiple helicopters. In this article, Business Today takes a look at the politicians with the most helicopters in Kenya.
President William Ruto
President William Ruto owns at least five helicopters valued at over Ksh2.6 billion through one of his companies, Kwae Island Development Limited (KIDL). The choppers featured heavily in Ruto’s 2022 election campaigns.
KIDL is headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, and operates two hangars. Among Ruto’s helicopters are an Airbus H145 T2 purchased for Ksh970 million, a Eurocopter 130 T2 purchased for Ksh740 million, Airbus H130 valued at Ksh330 million, and two Airbus H125s valued at Ksh290 million each.
READ MORE > Ruto’s Multi-Billion Helicopter Business
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta owns at least three helicopters through Flex Aviation, among them a Eurocopter AS350B3e.
Uhuru forms part of one of Kenya’s wealthiest families, which holds various assets across multiple sectors, including market-leading companies.
READ MORE > 6 Multi-Billion Kenyatta Family Companies & Assets
Gideon Moi
KANU party leader Gideon Moi owns at least four helicopters. Among the former Baringo Senator’s choppers are a Eurocopter As350B2.
Peter Kenneth
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth owns three helicopters, including a Bell 407.
Ephraim Maina
Former Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina owns at least four helicopters, among them a Bell 206 and a Bell 407.
Raila Odinga
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga owns at least two helicopters, including a Eurocopter EC 130 B4.
Musalia Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi owns at least two helicopters, among them a Eurocopter EC 130 B4.
William Kabogo
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo owns at least two helicopters, including a Eurocopter AS350B3.
Jimi Wanjigi
2022 Presidential candidate Jimi Wanjigi owns two helicopters including a Eurocopter EC 130 B4.