In the middle of 2020’s crisp Nairobi nights, businessman Allan Chesang celebrated another year around the sun. Tucked away in the leafy neighborhood of Lavington, a select group of family and close friends gathered to throw him a surprise birthday party on August 24. The event was about as discreet as a celebration can get—no red carpets, no Instagram livestreams, and hardly a word made its way outside the garden walls.
At the time, Chesang was mostly known for his business ventures. Fast forward a couple of years, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone in Kenya who hasn’t heard of him, particularly in political circles. But on this night, politics were the furthest thing on anyone’s mind. This was simply about marking a personal birthday party milestone, shared with those who had watched his journey up close.
The details of that night are still guarded—even now, the guest list remains a matter of speculation. Only family and Chesang’s closest friends were invited, with not a hint of the big names or flashy entertainment you might expect from such a gathering. It was a deliberate choice, reflecting a desire for privacy and authentic connection rather than social spectacle.
For the guests, the mood was relaxed. There were stories told late into the evening, laughter echoing off the garden walls, and enough food and drink to ensure no one left hungry. Decorations were simple, and the focus was on togetherness. No formal program, DJs, or photographers cluttered the scene. If you were hoping to see photos plastered all over the web, you'd be disappointed. The few snapshots that do exist are firmly in the hands of family members who cherished those memories for themselves.
Looking back, that August night stands out as a turning point before Chesang’s public life took off. It was a quiet moment of reflection with loved ones right before entering the unpredictable realm of Kenyan politics. For those present, it was a rare chance to see a man—known for his ambition—pausing to appreciate where he’d come from and the people who helped him get there.
