Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been on a campaign trail around the country with his most recent forays in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Raila, like many other politicians who are in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta once his term comes to an end in August 2022, has been courting the mountain in a bid to get a share of the votes.
Despite having President Kenyatta's backing, the former premier has to put some work to sell his agenda to the region's electorate.
However, the backing of the Head of State is not enough. One needs the approval of any region's opinion leaders - to ensure a solid start.
With politics also being an expensive affair, one needs the backing of individuals with deep pockets to finance the campaigns.
Most big shots in politics have friends, not just friends, but billionaires allies. For Raila, Karuri is a double blessing as he not only has the money but also has the capacity to influence.
The lobbyist is the man behind the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader's recent meetings in Laikipia. The meetings have culminated in the former premier holding public rallies with a decent attendance in small towns in Mt Kenya.
Raila also held talks with the region's governors including Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), James Nyoro (Kiambu), Nderitu Mureithi (Laikipia) and Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia.
Karuri is a businessman whose investments are mainly in the real estate industry owing to his architectural background. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) advisor, is a holder of a degree in architecture from the University of Nairobi.
He is the Chairman of Resorts and Cities and has interests in Longonot Gate, Migaa Golf Estates, Makuyu Ridge Resort Cities, among others.
However, apart from his successful businesses, the KEPSA Chair also has interests in politics and is a known master lobbyist. He was an advisor to retired President Mwai Kibaki.
His lobbying skills played out in 2007 when he designed and headed the Kibaki Tena campaign lobby - the team that successfully championed the re-election of Kenya's third president.
He organised a team comprising of fundraisers, strategy and communication committees.
The holder of the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) also led the Vijana na Kibaki lobby group which won a tussle with Odinga's ODM over the right to hold an event at Uhuru Park in September 2007.
Karuri is a gem to any politician and is now in Odinga's team.
