Kennedy Rapudo has recently opened up about his journey from a challenging childhood to the lavish lifestyle he leads today.
In an interview with Oga Obinna, the father of four shed light on the diverse places he had lived in, recounting his experiences in Kisumu, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya.
"Nilizaliwa Mombasa and then my mum had different jobs so i have been to different places. Nimeishi Kisumu, Rift Valley, western, niko kila mahali," Rapudo said.
He explained that his path to prosperity wasn't an easy one, marked by resilience and resourcefulness. Rapudo reminisced about his early endeavours as a hawker.
"I did professional hawking; the first time I sold goods worth Ksh5,000, but the next day, I sold nothing. The commission was 10%, and we were selling thermos and hotpots," he recalled.
He went further to say that he later relocated back home to try other ventures where he got his hands on brickmaking and poultry farming.
"I did that one and then at some point, I went back home. Nilikua nachoma matofali. I also tried my hands in kufuga kuku. I have been here and there trying to hustle," he said.
Rapudo, education
The father of four enrolled at the University of Nairobi for his first degree.
While studying, he collaborated with oil companies in Kenya like TULO and Africa Oil part-time.
"Tulikuwa tunafanyia different oil companies in Kenya. One of them was TULO. There was also Africa oil. We were doing research for them. After that I went back to USIU to do my second Masters because I loved their programs," he said.
Inspired by USIU's great programs, the businessman later enrolled for his master's.
"Later, I returned to USIU for my second Master's degree because I was drawn to their programs," he explained.
Rapudo dives into tour and travel
In 2015, Rapudo dived into entrepreneurship, where he got into the ride-hailing business managing a fleet of cabs on the Uber platform.
Later, life took a different turn when he got a job at a tour and travel company owned by guys hailing from the Netherlands.
"After that, I left the job in 2015 and got into doing some business. Nilikuwa na magari. After that I started working for a Dutch company, we were doing tours and travels," he said.
Amber's fiance explained how he was laid off from the tour company during the pandemic and was back to being jobless.
"When Corona hit we were laid off. After that mimi pia sasa I opened my own travel company," he said.
Rapudo wash wash claims
Kennedy Rapudo's source of income has always been questioned by online sleuths who speculate that the businessman is into money laundering locally known as 'wash wash'.
"People have come up with a lot of theories, including that I am a Wash Wash guy," he stated.
In a past interview, he rubbished the claims citing that he lives a clean life and he does not associate with people who are into money laundering.
He emphasized that he does not want to live under constant scrutiny and surveillance.
"I am not interested in wash wash. I do not want to live a life where I have to constantly live a life where I am being watched," he revealed.
"You will never see me with wash wash guys; I live a clean life," he added.
The businessman further explained that he prefers to keep his professional activities private, with only his family and close friends being aware of his legitimate income sources.
He firmly asserted that he would only disclose his business endeavours if he were to run for a political position in the future.
"My friends and family know my business, but for now, I prefer keeping it private. If I ever run for a political seat, I would tell people what I do," he stated.
