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A significant data breach at Kenya’s Business Registration Service (BRS) has exposed the business interests of some of the country’s most powerful individuals, including President William Ruto and the Kenyatta family.
Extensive Exposure
The leaked information, which had remained largely inaccessible to the public, is now raising serious concerns about data security, privacy, and financial risks. High-profile figures named in the data leak include First Lady Rachel Ruto (Chebet Rael Kimeto) and her son, George Kimutai Ruto.
Diverse Investments
The leaked records reveal extensive investments across multiple sectors. Rachel Ruto is listed as a director and shareholder in numerous companies, including Destiny Women Microfinance Bank Limited, Joyful Housing Union Ltd, Talya Company Limited, and Urban Groove Apartments Limited. She also has stakes in Lake Jipe Fisheries Ltd, Kisima Fisheries Ltd, Taveta Fisheries Ltd, Black Beauty Company Limited, Koilel Farm Limited, Matiny Limited, Weston Hotel Limited, and Bluesand Holdings Limited.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s Business Interests
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s business dealings were also among the exposed data. While Uhuru Kenyatta Foundation and Uhuru Kenyatta Institute Limited are well-documented, the records also listed Uhuru Kenyatta Security and Cleaning Services, a company registered in South Africa. Muhoho Kenyatta, Uhuru’s brother, is reportedly a director or shareholder in at least 50 companies and organizations.
Moja Expressway and Other Companies
The data breach also shed light on the ownership of Moja Expressway Company, registered on May 24, 2020. The company is owned by Mountain Hill Global Investment Company Limited (based in the UAE), Tang Jinsong, and Zhao Yang, with Jophece Obonyo Yogo listed as the secretary.
Addressing the Breach
Kenneth Gathuma, Director-General of the Business Registration Service, confirmed the breach and announced that a full investigation is underway. Cybersecurity experts from law enforcement agencies are collaborating to assess the situation and contain the damage.
Concerns and Future Implications
The data breach has raised significant concerns about the security of private data and the potential risks to personal and national financial security. The ease of access to confidential company information highlights vulnerabilities in the nation’s data protection mechanisms.