The man popularly associated with buying Raila Odinga the famous 2007 campaign “Hammer” (the red Hummer H3 SUV) was businessman Don Bosco Gichana. The vehicle became a major symbol during Raila’s presidential campaign.
Don Bosco Gichana was jailed in Tanzania in 2013 and later sentenced in a money laundering case.
What happened:
- He was arrested in March 2013 in Tanzania.
- He was accused of conspiracy and money laundering.
- In 2018, a Tanzanian court sentenced him to:
- 5 years in prison
- OR payment of a fine (about Tsh 300 million / around KSh 13–15 million)
- He had already spent several years in detention before sentencing, so he was released after the ruling once the fine arrangement was handled.
Key background:
- The case involved allegations of financial fraud and false tax filings linked to international transactions.
- He remained in custody in Tanzania for about 5 years before being freed in 2018 after the court decision.
Simple summary:
Yes—he was jailed, but mainly in Tanzania, not Kenya, and he was eventually released after serving time and meeting the court conditions.
As for his current job or occupation, Don Bosco Gichana is mainly described in reports as a Kisii businessman and entrepreneur involved in private business ventures. Recent articles discussing the restoration of the “Hammer” vehicle still refer to him as a businessman, but they do not mention a new official government job or public office.
- He has previously contested political seats in Kisii (like parliamentary races).
- He has been linked to UDA (United Democratic Alliance) politics and campaign activities in past election cycles.
- He is known as a political mobilizer and businessman, often attending rallies and public events.
