The Luo community is the fourth-largest ethnic group in Kenya, following the Kikuyu, Luhya, and Kalenjin groups, with a population of 5,066,966 individuals according to the 2019 population and housing census by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The Luo people are widely respected for their intellectual prowess, artistic talent, sophistication, and dedication to preserving Kenya’s democratic traditions. Below is a list of some of the wealthiest individuals from Luo Nyanza and the successful businesses they run, as compiled by Muranganews.
Sammy Wakiaga
A reclusive tycoon and the son of Senior Chief Semekia Wakiaga, Sammy Wakiaga has a reputation as a seasoned real estate mogul. His property portfolio spans Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Homa Bay, including The Rusinga Lodge. He is also the owner of several ferries operating along the Mbita-Luanda Kotieno route, which connects Siaya and Homa Bay counties. Wakiaga, a native of the Suba subtribe from Rusinga, is closely aligned with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto. Despite his wealth, he maintains a low profile and holds no office in the national assembly or the party. His wealth is estimated to be in the billions, making him one of the richest individuals of Luo descent.
James Rege
James Rege, the former MP for Karachuonyo Constituency, is known for his wealth and business acumen. The 73-year-old IT expert co-owns a company that provides business financing. During his tenure as an MP, he spent large sums, often upwards of KSh 300,000 per week on community contributions. In 2017, he was among the billionaires who funded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s campaigns.
Raila Amolo Odinga
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and current ODM Party leader, is one of the wealthiest individuals in Kenya, with an estimated net worth exceeding US$200 million. Raila, the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, has significant business interests. He owns several companies, including Spectre International Limited and Pan African Petroleum Company, as well as multimillion-dollar properties, including a house in Kisumu’s Riat Hills and a residence in Karen.
Edwin Ochieng Yinda
Edwin Yinda, a former Alego/Usonga parliamentary candidate, is a well-established businessman. Before entering politics, he spent over two decades in the ship repair and tea processing industries. After losing the 2017 elections, Yinda chose to return to his successful business ventures, which include roles as chairman of Supply Linkages Limited and director of Cent Savvy Investments Ltd. He also serves on the board of St. Andrew’s School, Turi.
Evans Gor Semelang’o
Evans Gor Semelang’o is a businessman and former chairman of the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund. Known for his flashy lifestyle, he owns luxury cars, including a Range Rover Sports and Prado, and has investments in real estate, oil, media, transport, and tourism. He owns Petrokenya Oil Company Limited and Talanta Media, among other businesses, including ventures in New York. His extravagant lifestyle is exemplified by his two luxury watches set to different time zones, symbolizing his commitment to managing global business interests.
Evans Kidero
Evans Kidero, the billionaire former Governor of Nairobi, is arguably the wealthiest man in Luo Nyanza. He owns several properties, including high-rent apartments in Nairobi and buildings in Kisumu. His wealth is attributed to his extensive real estate investments and successful career in business.
Jared Otieno
Jared Otieno is a businessman known for his extravagant spending and high-profile connections with Kenyan politicians and media personalities. His pre-wedding celebrations in Homa Bay, attended by top politicians, involved helicopter arrivals and the gifting of a luxurious home. Otieno’s wealth is reflected in his ownership of a KSh 30 million Porsche Panamera and a KSh 110 million mansion in Karen.
Raphael Tuju
Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju is one of Kenya’s wealthiest individuals. He owns a stately home in Karen and holds prime real estate in Upperhill, where land prices are among the highest in the country, fetching up to KSh 550 million per acre.
Mzee Jalango Mwenyewe (Felix Odiwour Akodhe)
Known by his stage name Jalango, Felix Odiwour is one of Kenya’s wealthiest entertainers. As the host of Kiss FM and a successful YouTube personality, Jalango is also the founder and CEO of Arena Media. His wealth extends to multiple luxury vehicles, including a V8, Mercedes V-Class, and Discovery. He also owns several properties in Nairobi and his rural home, with some of his apartments available for Airbnb rental.
Akothee
Akothee, one of Africa’s wealthiest musicians, has made her fortune through her music career, Akothee Safaris, and her real estate ventures, including Aknotela and Akothee Homes. Her entrepreneurial spirit and business ventures have established her as a prominent figure in Kenya’s entertainment and business industries.
These individuals showcase the diverse and successful businesses that define the economic landscape of Luo Nyanza.
