Besieged Gas Tycoon Dumps Raila For Rigathi

Mohammed Jaffer of Grain Bill Handlers Limited (GBHL) and proprietor of Pro Gas been forced to fold abs embrace the Kenya Kwanza government. The billionaire who has enjoyed the monopoly of controlling Mombasa port and liquified gas industry, winning multibillion contracts, got in the bad books with the current regime that saw president Ruto bring in Tanzanian business mogul Rostam Aziz to counter the competition.

President William Ruto (right) and Taifa Gas Group Chairman Rostam Aziz during the ground-breaking ceremony of the 30,000-tonne plant at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone in Likoni, Mombasa on February 24, 2023.

In the plans, Mr. Aziz who reportedly financed Ruto’s campaigns is set take over the gas industry that Jaffer has been controlling in the past. The cheap gas is set to hit the markets according to Ruto’s announcement.

However, Jaffer who’s been able to court different regimes since Moi for survival is keen to maintain his grip in the market. He’s recently been reported to be shifting his allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza government and held different meetings to square up their differences.

In what could perhaps be one of the clear signs that the tycoon is in good books with GoK is the latest lowering of unga prices that has been a source of headache to the government abs one of the reasons the Raila’s Azimio led opposition has been banking on against the state in their demonstrations that are set to resume in May.

Through his firm Grain Industries Limited (GIL) Jaffer’s affiliated Maize brands Umi & Ajab have drastically reduced their prices. Mohamed has an upper hand in handling grains through GBHL that handles most imports through Mombasa Port.

His alignment with the state hasn’t gone down with critics who alleges he’s being for political scoring.

MOHAMMED Jaffer with his toxin filled Umi/Ajab Unga is giving UDA regime fodder for their propaganda. Umi/Ajab maize flour can retail even for ksh20 per 2Kg and Jaffer would still make profit. Heck, lower it to even Ksh 5 bob. https://t.co/GBss7wwOwo pic.twitter.com/9GIpLmA7CB

— J A K O N Y A N G O (@Disembe) April 19, 2023

What Jaffer does is grain STORAGE. He BULK stores maize for several companies across EAC countries. Whatever remains 'in store' belongs to him. It is this LEFTOVER maize that he then mills and sells under his Ajab/Umi brand. Jaffer can afford to play UDA uncouth maize politics.

— J A K O N Y A N G O (@Disembe) April 18, 2023

With Taifa Gas making inroads into the country, many are waiting to see how the empire of Jaffer will stand the tear of time and maintain their hold of the market. Previously, the idea of cheap gas was fought down with corrupt state officials. Pro-Gas penetrated the market at the time with cheaper gas prices. He owns Sea Gas too.