Unmasking Osero, the man behind Weston Hotel

The Weston Hotel in Nairobi was recently in the spotlight following the grabbing of the neighbouring Lang’ata Road Primary School playground.

Businessman Patrick Kibagendi Osero, who is listed as one of the directors of Weston Hotel, has denied that the hotel has any association with the school.

Osero first came to the limelight when he joined Cyrus Jirongo, Ken Omanga, Ken Ouko, Ken Boit, Chesyna Bartonjo, Fred Kiptanui, Mwelu Ngei, Sam Nyamweya, Micah Kigen and others in Youth for Kanu ‘92.

When The Standard on Sunday requested an interview with Osero, he declined, saying he had been overwhelmed by media inquiries since he claimed to be the owner of Weston Hotel.

Last week, lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi revealed that Osero was one of the directors of Weston Hotel.

Osero quickly responded when this was queried. “You think I cannot own such a property? Why are Kenyans doubting?” Osero quipped last week, following comments that he is just a proxy owner.

Osero, 50, was born in Riensune Village, Borabu District, Nyamira County, and went to St Mary’s Mosocho Primary School, before crossing the fence to join Cardinal Otunga Mosocho Secondary School for his ‘O’ levels.

In 1982, he proceeded to Meru High School for his ‘A’ levels before joining Baraton University in 1984 for a degree in Agriculture. In 2009, he graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology with a Master’s in Agricultural Entrepreneurship.

Coordinating campaigns

On leaving Baraton in 1988, Osero was employed as a manager by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and posted to Malindi, where he served for a year before being transferred to Kitale.

He later resigned to join YK ‘92, where he served as chief executive officer and head of secretariat, coordinating district campaigns from the fourth floor of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. As CEO, Osero reported directly to the YK ‘92 board chaired by Jirongo.

Coincidentally, Osero returned to ADC during the Grand Coalition Government (2008-2013), this time as a member of the board of directors.

In the run up, to the 2013 General Election, Osero joined the Orange Democratic Movement. This is after it emerged that the Orange party was more popular in the Kisii region than the URP/Jubilee coalition. He emerged second in Borabu, narrowly losing to Ben Momanyi of Wiper.

The father of four grew up surrounded by politicians. His father, the late Joseph Osero, served as West Mugirango MP from 1966 to 1969. His relatives from his mother’s side include Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama and former ministers Simeon Nyachae and Lawrence Sagini.

Currently, Osero an ardent supporter of Shabana FC and English Premier League club Arsenal, is engaged in the real estate business, which he joined following the disbandment of the YK ‘92.