Kenyans were last week shocked to learn that the British government had been spying on a number of African leaders including former President Mwai Kibaki and Nairobi businessman Chris Kirubi.
While the inclusion of Kibaki would seem rather obvious, many have wondered why one of the most powerful governments would go to the extent of tapping the phone calls and emails of a Kenyan businessman.
Kenyans.co.ke sought out to establish why Kenya’s former colonial master picked on Kirubi in their spy missions that mostly concentrated on politicians.
In publishing the reports, French newspaper Le Monde reported that the spying trends demonstrated the rise of economic diplomacy, noting that most of the surveillance was aimed at monitoring economic activity.
Fondly referred to as DJ CK across media circles, Kirubi has long been known to have a close business relationship with members of the Kibaki family.
One of the top investments associated with Kirubi is the landmark International House in Nairobi where the Kibakis have a substantial stake, with the former President’s son David Kibaki, sitting on the board alongside DJ CK.
In a past interview with a local daily, Kirubi admitted that while he was starting out, having a political godfather was important in business and he achieved it by having a close business relationship with Kibaki.
According to the Business Daily, Kirubi knelt down before President Kibaki at Parliament gardens during the inaugural speech of the newly elected President – perhaps a clear indication of the relationship between the two men.
Officially, the flamboyant businessman served at the National Economic and Social Council – a think-tank that advised President Kibaki on economic matters.
It is, therefore, understandable that Britain, being Kenya’s leading trade partner, would want to understand the thinking of Kenya’s leading business leader.
Keen observers will recall that during President Barack Obama’s visit to Kenya, the leader of the free world had an exclusive interview with Kirubi’s Capital FM.
“You know my Chairman Dr Chris Kirubi? the presenter asked Obama during a chitchat after the interview.
“Yeah…I remember him,” Obama replied.
Such is the influence of the man who considers himself a business leader in Kenya.
“You cannot talk about business in Kenya without talking about Kirubi,” DJ CK bragged in a past interview.
Regarding the surveillance, Kirubi had this to say, “You have seen this has happened in well-respected media outlets. It just shows everybody is underwatch because of technology.”
-kenyans.co.ke
