Kenyan Billionaires Who Attended Same High School as Uhuru

Left to right: Presidential Aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
Left to right: Presidential Aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
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Education is the foundation of success and for these five tycoons, it seems their foundation was a well founded one, alongside the current President.

According to history books, President Uhuru Kenyatta was enrolled at St Mary's School, Nairobi, in 1969 and graduated in 1979.

While at the institution, the Head of State took part in co-curricular activities and rose to become a Rugby representative among other titles.

In a past interview, St Mary's School former Deputy Principle, Mike Moloney, noted that Uhuru was as mischievous as other students but never earned a beating from him.

"I also taught him Geography which I think he liked although the prize he got at school was actually for history and not Geography.

"The President, Jomo Kenyatta, made it clear that we were not to make any distinction between Uhuru as well as Muhoho and any other student," stated Moloney.

From the foundation, Uhuru moved to Amherst College and rose up the political ladder to become the fourth President of the republic.

During his tenure, the President schooled alongside other prominent Kenyans who have since cracked into the billionaires club. Here are five billionaires who attended St Mary's School in Nairobi.

1. Jimi Wanjigi

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Jimi Wanjigi addresses University students in Thika on Friday, November 19, 2021.
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Jimi Wanjigi

Born in 1962, Kenyan businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi is currently making a stab at the presidency but he can attribute his success to his time at St Mary's School.

During his time at the school, Wanjigi schooled alongside Uhuru and Baringo Senator, Gideon Moi, before transitioning to York University to study business.

Upon his return, he took over Kwacha Family Business, which is a holding firm for other several businesses owned by the family. The company has shares in various corporations including Barclays Bank.

He also runs Caramel Restaurant and Lounge located at ABC Mall along Waiyaki Way.

2. Muhoho Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the prestigious high school in Nairobi alongside his brother Muhoho Kenyatta. The institution's teachers revealed that they were under instructions from the founding President not to accord the two any special treatment.

After leaving the institution, Muhoho moved to Williams College in Massachusetts, USA, where he pursued a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science.

In his career, Muhoho was made the executive Chairman of Brookside Dairy Milk and is also the chaperon of the Kenyatta family businesses.

3. Gideon Moi

KANU Leader Gideon Moi during One Kenya Alliance meeting at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
KANU Leader Gideon Moi during One Kenya Alliance meeting at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Kenyans.co.ke

Born in 1963, former President Daniel Moi's son Gideon attended St Mary's High School around the same time President Uhuru Kenyatta was a student at the institution. He enrolled at the institution in 1981.

After his stint at the institution, Gideon transitioned to Salford in Manchester, United Kingdom where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.

Moi then joined politics soon after and was groomed for presidency by his late father. He was also considered the most favoured son among his siblings.

He serves as the Senator of Baringo County and has plans to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 General Elections.

4. Jimmy Kibaki

Former President Mwai Kibaki's son, Jimmy Kibaki, has maintained his close friendship with President Uhuru Kenyatta since their High School days.

The two attended the same school and to prove it, Jimmy recounted how Uhuru suffered at the hands of one of the prestigious school's teachers.

"I remember being caned for a long time at Saint Mary's. One day I went and I told her, 'mum do you know that every Friday I'm being caned?'. 

"There's one particular Irish priest who was very enthusiastic and I believe His Excellency the President knows the priest I'm talking about because I'm told he was quite familiar with his cane," narrated Jimmy during the burial of his mother Lucy.

Notable Mentions

There have been other notable individuals who passed through the institution and are high-ranking personalities across the world including Lupita Nyong'o, who has earned an Oscar award through her work in Hollywood.

Others are Jeff Koinange (award-winning media personality), John Githongo (notable journalist), Ian Duncan (a superstar rally driver) and Eric Wainaina (a Kenyan singer and song-writer).

Undated image Former President Mwai Kibaki's son Jimmy (left) speaking to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Undated image Former President Mwai Kibaki's son Jimmy (left) speaking to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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