Billionaire Rai among leaders who met King Charles III

Billionaire Rai was standing with other leaders when he greeted the King.

In Summary
  • In a video seen by the Star, Billionaire Rai was standing with other leaders when he greeted the King.
  • In August, the Family of Rai raised alarm over his alleged kidnapping after his vehicle was found abandoned by the roadside.
Billionaire Sugar investor Jaswant Rai greeting King Charles III in Nairobi on October 31, 2023
Billionaire Sugar investor Jaswant Rai greeting King Charles III in Nairobi on October 31, 2023
Image: HANDOUT

Billionaire Jaswant Rai on Tuesday met King Charles III as he began his four-day tour in the country.

In a video seen by the Star, Billionaire Rai was standing with other leaders when he greeted the King.

A man is heard introducing him to the King "That is Mzee Rai" he said.

It is, however, not clear where the leaders were.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was among the leaders present.

The king was accompanied by Queen Camilla and was hosted by President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.

This is the first time the Billionaire is emerging in public, months after he made headlines over being kidnapped.

In August, the Family of Rai raised alarm over his alleged kidnapping after his vehicle was found abandoned by the roadside.

The billionaire went missing on August 25 in the Kilimani area and his alleged abduction was captured on CCTV.

Days after his abduction, his lawyer Senior Counsel Kioko Kilukumi confirmed that he had been released.

The kidnapping had initially been linked to the police but they denied any involvement.

Rai is known by the chain of businesses under his leadership. The businesses extend to other East African countries.

He was named chairman and executor of his father’s will. Tarlochan Singh Rai left behind a multimillion-dollar inheritance after he died in 2010.

Rai is a mogul in the sugar business in the country. He is believed to control at least 43 per cent of the sugar business in Kenya.

He owns West Kenya Sugar, which owns Kabras Sugar, Sukari Industries, and Olepito.

He is the chairman of the Rai Group.

The family-owned conglomerate has interests in other industries including cement production, horticulture, edible oils, sawmilling, and real estate.

He controls among other companies Rai Cement, Menengai Oil Refineries, Timsales, RaiPly, and Webuye Panpaper.

The billionaire owns Tulip Properties. Rai is also into wheat farming and horticulture.

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