Politicians splash millions in American lobby groups ahead of 2027 showdown

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi.

A new document released by the Foreign Affairs ministry has laid bare the colossal amounts politicians are splashing to American lobbyists ahead of 2027 election. 

The document released by Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi to explain and justify government’s move to hire a US lobbying firm to enhance its image in the US shows politicians are spending millions and thousands of dollars for political strategy and international connections.

Safina leader Jimi Wanjigi spent a whopping $3,150,000[Sh406 million] to market his policy positions to American policy makers, and to encourage their support for his run for office.

Although the document wrongly indicates Wanjigi is a former elected official, he expressed his interest to run for President in 2022 but was disqualified over lack of a degree and insufficient signatures.

In the deal filed January 17, 2025, Neiweem Christopher John who is identified as the registrant would also help Wanjigi to discuss how Kenyan policies can support US government interests.

“For example, not support China economically and work with US,” the document says.

In his Foreign Agents Registration Act  listing, Neiweem says the agreement is not signed yet but was pursuing FARA registration early, and to be as transparent in advance as possible.

“My role is to work with lawmakers, the new administration, and potentially seek media interview opportunities to express the economic and political policy positions of Wanjigi to seek support for his run for office in his home country,” he says in the document.

Among the agreed activities include setting up meetings with members of congress and presidential staff so that Wanjigi can discuss his plans to run for President of Kenya.

“There are no political activities yet planned outside of setting up meetings. I am registering prior to what I presume will be execution of the contract I have uploaded to the FARA Unit in this application,” Neiweem says.

Neiweem describes himself as a “political adviser, lobbyist, publicist, writer and Iraq war veteran”.

He is also the founder of Neiweem Group LLC, a “Washington DC-based government affairs firm focused on delivering successful results for clients across a broad array of American industries”.

Their engagements include strategic consulting, political campaign management and fundraising.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’I, who is angling for the presidency in 2027, enlisted Dickens and Madson Canada Inc on July 29, 2024 for $250,000 [Sh32 million].

The purpose of the engagement was to prop Matiang’I’s presidential candidature among various institutions and agencies in the US.

“Registrant proposes to lobby the executive and/or legislative branche s of the government of the United States and its agencies to support the efforts ofFred Matiang'i to become President of Kenya.

“Additionally, Registrant proposes to provide media and public relations services on behalf of the foreign principal's goals and activities. Registrant also provides lobbying services to the foreign principal in other countries,” the document states.

Since making public his presidential ambitions, Matiang’I has been to the US twice, where he engaged Kenyans among other players.

In 2017, Raila Odinga who was at the time vying for the presidency, engaged Vanguard Africa to raise the level of awareness about the general elections in Kenya, including the pivotal importance Kenya plays in East Africa and why it is in the US interest to ensure a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election process. The amount spent is not indicated.

In the same year, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch is listed to have contracted Vanguard Africa for a cost of $5,000.

Vanguard Africa was contracted to highlight the importance of his Senate campaign in the context of Kenya's general election. The lobby group was also boost his profile “due to the personal threats and intimidation he received during the course of his campaign”.