How the Awori Family Rushed to Raise Over Ksh 800 Million to Free Grace Wakhungu From Jail

Awori Family Mobilizes Millions to Rescue Grace Wakhungu Over Maize Scandal

In a dramatic show of family solidarity and financial muscle, the Awori family raised a staggering Ksh 800 million to secure the release of Grace Wakhungu, who had been convicted in a high-profile maize importation scandal.

Wakhungu, then 79 years old, was sentenced by the anti-corruption court to 69 years in prison or a fine of Ksh 707.7 million following her conviction for a Ksh 300 million maize fraud that saw the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) suffer huge losses. Through her company, Erad Supplies and General Contractors, Wakhungu and co-accused John Waluke allegedly inflated payments and used forged documents to defraud the board.

Without the family’s financial intervention, Wakhungu would likely have ended up behind bars at Lang’ata Women’s Prison. However, the Awori family quickly coordinated an extensive fundraising effort both locally and internationally, surpassing expectations.

“In fact, we outdid ourselves by raising close to Ksh 800 million, being contributions from family members through the sale of assets locally and abroad, personal savings and silent fund drives by friends,” a family source revealed.

Breakdown of Contributions

Former Vice President Moody Awori and family: Ksh 135 million

Mary Okello, Director of Makini School: Ksh 28 million

Grace Wakhungu’s family: Ksh 197 million

Dennis Awori, former Kenyan Ambassador to Japan: Ksh 15 million

Fund drives locally and abroad by family members: Ksh 236 million

This massive financial mobilization highlights not only the family’s wealth but also the power of coordinated fundraising in times of crisis.