After days of silence, Kenya Re CEO Hillary Wachinga finally chose to respond to the growing list of allegations against him. His fight-back — published across a few friendly blogs — came not in the form of a factual rebuttal or official response, but as a long, bitter rant full of name-calling, metaphors, and attacks on staff, former colleagues, and whistleblowers.
The public expected answers. Instead, they got distractions.
At no point did Wachinga address the main issues raised in the original complaint submitted to multiple oversight bodies, including the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
When Faced With Accusations, He Talked About “Witches”
In his response, Wachinga described his critics as “a coven of Kenya Re’s top witches” and “cold-blooded reptiles,” blaming an internal conspiracy for the backlash he’s facing.
He wrote:
“So poor Wachinga gets the job and a coven of Kenya Re’s top witches hatches a plan to pound the village boy who pulled himself with his bootstraps like yam.”
But instead of poetry, what Kenyans wanted were explanations. For example, how did multiple relatives and close allies land jobs at Kenya Re without open recruitment?
“Josephine Maina (Audit Office), allegedly his brother’s daughter.
Brian Kungu (Corporate Affairs), allegedly his relative.
Laura Cheruto Mokotei (Risk Department), reportedly the daughter of Wesley Kibet.
Steffy Wangu and Faith Mbaire, allegedly his girlfriends.”
Wachinga said nothing about any of these names. Not even to deny them.
He Called the Allegations “Tripe.” But Skipped All the Numbers
“Some of the ranting in the hateful dispatch should be taken with a pick-up load of salt,” Wachinga wrote.
But no amount of salt changes what’s already public:
He reportedly scored himself a perfect rating in the 2023 Balanced Scorecard, earning a KES 24 million bonus
A KES 29 million audit contract was handed to PwC without a clear scope
A KES 100 million CEO summit was held without budget approval
A KES 40 million training deal was given to Strathmore University — where he lectures
Not one of these figures was addressed in his fight-back. No clarification, no breakdown, no policy reference.
He Blamed “Envy.” The Complaint Cited Procurement Interference
Wachinga argued that critics are simply bitter:
“Clearly, his consistent good performance is not sitting well with a few people in and outside Kenya Re.”
But the complaint isn’t about who wanted the CEO job. It’s about what’s been done since he took office.
The report includes:
Cancelled tenders allegedly redirected to friendly firms
Vendors blocked from bidding unless aligned with his circle
Alleged influence over the board chair, allowing him to bypass full board approvals
Interns being sent on international trips in violation of company policy
Personal bodyguards hired using public funds
These are not emotional grievances — they’re documented actions with financial impact.
He Called His Predecessor “Dark-hearted.” But Never Responded to the Core Claims
“Kenya Re’s immediate former CEO, a dark-hearted individual with a sense of entitlement…”
But he avoided saying anything about:
Why staff who resist his influence are demoted or transferred
Why internships are handed out selectively
Why donations from sponsors remain unaccounted for
Why junior employees are allegedly used as informants
Instead of addressing operations at the institution he runs, he turned the spotlight on anyone but himself.
He Used Storytelling. But Ignored Strathmore and Suspicious Bonuses
While painting himself as a “village boy” unfairly targeted, Wachinga skipped over questions raised about his ties to Strathmore University, where a KES 40 million training contract was awarded. He didn’t explain how Kenya Re’s loan book is growing without checks. He didn’t touch the per diem cases, ghost staff, or the lawsuit filed against the corporation — by employees still on payroll.
Oversight Bodies Stay Quiet — And So Does He
Despite the complaint being forwarded to EACC, PPRA, PSC, and others, none of these agencies have confirmed action. Wachinga, too, continues to dodge the substance.
Instead, he promised to “process” six people from within Kenya Re, writing:
“From tomorrow, this forum will process six individuals… to smoke out enemies within the corporation.”
