Businessman Jimi Wanjigi
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Kenyan businessman Jimi Wanjigi has engaged Arsenal Government and Public Affairs Group, a US lobbying firm, in a strategic move to bolster his 2027 presidential campaign.
The six-month contract, effective from December 21, 2024, amounts to $525,000 (Sh68 million) and tasks the firm with enhancing Wanjigi's international image and fostering relationships with key US stakeholders, including members of Congress and officials within the Department of State. Christopher Neiweem, leading Arsenal Government and Public Affairs Group, has registered the firm with the US Registry of Foreign Agents to formally represent Wanjigi's interests.
Their efforts will concentrate on arranging meetings with the US political figures and securing media opportunities to discuss political and policy issues.
A source within Wanjigi's secretariat emphasizes that this collaboration aims to reshape the international perception of Kenya, countering what they perceive as a narrative currently influenced by President William Ruto.
By cultivating Wanjigi’s reputation, the lobbying efforts seek to highlight the potential benefits of his presidency to American democracy. Wanjigi, a prominent figure in Kenyan business and politics, has been a vocal critic of President Ruto, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over national welfare and advocating for an economic revolution.
In August 2024, he was arrested in connection with a vehicle found near his residence containing teargas canisters and other items. Wanjigi denied ownership of the vehicle and its contents, while his lawyer, John Khaminwa, denounced the arrest, citing a court order prohibiting such actions.
As the 2027 presidential election draws nearer, Wanjigi's engagement with Arsenal Government and Public Affairs Group could prove instrumental in shaping his campaign narrative and influencing key stakeholders, both within Kenya and internationally.