Mary Wambui, a businesswoman and owner of Purma Holdings, has been at the center of public and media attention due to her recent government contracts and close ties to President William Ruto.
In December 2022, Ruto appointed Wambui as the Chairperson of the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK), entrusting her with responsibilities over telecommunications regulation, cybersecurity, and e-commerce development.
However, this appointment quickly sparked legal challenges, with opponents questioning her qualifications and prior involvement in controversies, including alleged tax evasion.
Activist Evans Momanyi even filed a case arguing that Wambui lacked the requisite qualifications under Kenyan law to hold this critical role.
Under Wambui’s leadership, Purma Holdings has secured substantial government contracts valued at Sh30.6 billion for providing security and digital support services, all reportedly awarded without open tendering processes.
This decision bypassed the competitive bidding requirements typically enforced for public contracts, raising further questions about transparency.
In addition to contracts related to digital infrastructure, Wambui’s Purma Holdings was awarded contracts by the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) to import essentials like cooking oil, rice, and beans, adding billions in potential revenue.
These transactions have solidified Wambui’s reputation as a major player within Kenya’s political and business spheres.
Wambui’s proximity to powerful political figures predates her current role.
She was among the influential donors supporting former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto in 2017.
Her companies began securing government contracts around this period, with Purma Holdings expanding its involvement in multiple high-value sectors.
Her political connections may have shielded her from accountability in some instances, such as when tax evasion charges worth Sh2.2 billion were dropped shortly after Ruto’s presidential inauguration in 2022.
Critics argue that Wambui’s appointments and contracts exemplify Kenya’s broader issues of favoritism and lack of transparency in public procurement.
Many believe that her lucrative deals, coupled with her recent regulatory role, create a conflict of interest and undermine fairness in Kenya’s business environment.
Wambui’s rise underscores ongoing challenges in Kenya’s political landscape, where influential businesspeople with government ties frequently receive lucrative contracts, often at the cost of public trust.
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