Simon Mbugua, a Nairobi County Assembly member and real estate magnate, has positioned himself as a pivotal figure in Kenya's political landscape by aligning with Deputy President William Ruto's presidential ambitions.
The Kamukunji-based politician, known for his vocal criticism of government policies and law enforcement, has shifted his support to Ruto's campaign, reportedly urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to halt corruption probes targeting the deputy president.
Mbugua's political maneuvering includes advocating for Nairobi City Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to become Ruto's running mate, citing the mayor's popularity and financial resources. His influence within Nairobi's local government has earned him the nickname 'Prime Minister' due to his control over municipal affairs.
The legislator's strategic alliances extend to his role as a business partner of Sonko, managing the mayor's commercial interests while promoting Ruto's agenda. Mbugua's political rise coincides with his efforts to challenge traditional power structures in Mt Kenya, positioning himself as a representative of grassroots aspirations.
His involvement in a 2009 diplomatic report alleging corruption among senior officials, including then-Interior Minister Eugene Wamalwa, highlights his long-standing political entanglements. The controversy, initially raised by former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, underscored Mbugua's deep connections within Kenya's elite circles.
As Ruto's campaign gains momentum, Mbugua's dual role as a business leader and political strategist places him at the center of Kenya's shifting power dynamics, with implications for the 2017 presidential race.
