Ruto Ranked Among World’s Richest Leaders as Putin Leads the Pack

President William Ruto has been listed among the world’s wealthiest leaders, according to an analysis by Yahoo Finance.

Ruto joins a list of world leaders who have amassed vast fortunes, with resources drawn from industries such as oil, real estate, and finance.

While some inherited their wealth, others built massive empires during their time in power.

These leaders hold not only political influence but also significant financial clout, enabling them to shape economies, global policies, and even the direction of industries worldwide.

Ruto Features Among World’s Richest Leaders as Putin Tops List

1. Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin’s wealth is one of the most debated subjects in the world. Putin has been at the helm of Russia for over two decades, leveraging state-owned enterprises and natural resources, particularly oil and gas, to bolster his financial influence.

Former Hermitage Capital CEO Bill Browder told the US Senate Judiciary Committee that Putin’s net worth could be around $200 billion (Ksh51.7 trillion), making him one of the richest people in the world.

However, in 2018, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation said that Putin had officially earned just $673,000 (around $880k/£652k in 2025 money) between 2011 and 2016.

It also revealed that he had an apartment in Saint Petersburg and 230 shares in Bank Saint Petersburg.

2. Belarus: Alexander Lukashenko – $9 billion (Ksh1.1 trillion)

Belarus’ first and only president since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko, is believed to have accumulated a vast hidden fortune.

Like his close ally Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko has denied being extremely wealthy, insisting he lives modestly as a public servant. However, according to documents released by WikiLeaks in 2006, he was alleged to be the richest person in Belarus, with an estimated net worth of $9 billion (£6.7bn).

Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the World as Elon Musk Hits $500 Billion Record

3. United States: Donald Trump – Ksh932 billion

Donald Trump’s wealth largely comes from his real estate empire, branding, and business ventures.

Before his presidency, he expanded his father’s property business into a global brand.

Although his net worth has fluctuated over the years due to market shifts and legal battles, Trump remains one of the richest leaders in U.S. history.

According to Forbes, his net worth hit $4.5 billion (£3.5bn) in 2016 before dipping to $2.5 billion (£1.9bn).

 However, it has since surged to $7.2 billion (£5.3bn), driven by the success of World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture he co-founded with his sons Donald Jr., Eric, and Barron.

4. North Korea: Kim Jong Un – Ksh647 billion

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is believed to have accumulated a net worth of around $5 billion (£3.7bn) since 2013.

U.S. and South Korean officials discovered that his wealth is spread across more than 200 bank accounts in countries including China, Russia, Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Much of this fortune is allegedly controlled by Kim and his family.

5. China: Xi Jinping – possibly Ksh194 billion

China’s President Xi Jinping officially earns an annual salary of about $22,000 (£16.3k).

However, reports from 2012 revealed that Xi and his family had stakes in several holding companies, including a $244 million share in the property investment firm Shenzhen Yuanwei, worth around $334 million (£248m) today.

While his exact net worth remains unknown, earlier estimates placed it at around $1.5 billion (£1.1bn).

6. Equatorial Guinea: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Ksh77 billion

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled oil-rich Equatorial Guinea since 1979.

Although recent figures are scarce, Forbes previously estimated his wealth at $600 million (£445m).

His control over the nation’s oil resources and family wealth has made him one of Africa’s richest leaders.

Also Read: Revealed: Top 10 Wealthiest Saccos Kenyans Are Investing In

7. Rwanda: Paul Kagame – Ksh64 billion

President Paul Kagame has led Rwanda since 2000 after ending the 1994 genocide.

Reports indicate that Kagame and the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front control a holding company called Crystal Ventures, which manages assets worth about $500 million (£370m) across various sectors, including aviation and agriculture.

Kagame himself is believed to have a similar net worth.

Azerbaijan: Ilham Aliyev – Ksh64 billion

President Ilham Aliyev officially earned $230,000 in 2010 — roughly $330,000 (£245k) today — but his fortune extends far beyond his salary.

In 2010, his 12-year-old son reportedly bought nine luxury Dubai mansions worth $44 million ($63m/£49.7m today).

The family made headlines again when the Pandora Papers revealed that the British royal family’s Crown Estate bought a £67 million ($90m) London property from Aliyev’s son.

His net worth is estimated at $500 million (£370m), though some reports suggest it could be as high as $900 million (£667m).

Türkiye: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – Ksh64 billion

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who previously served as mayor of Istanbul and prime minister, earns an annual salary of under $65,000 (£48k).

Despite this, he is estimated to be worth around $500 million (£370m), though some reports suggest his fortune could reach into the billions.

9. South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa – at least Ksh58.2 billion

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa earns an annual salary of $177,000 (£131k) following a 2023 pay rise.

In 2015, Forbes estimated his net worth at $450 million (£334m), with much of his wealth linked to his business ventures before entering politics. His current net worth is unclear but remains substantial.

10. Kenya: William Ruto – Ksh51.7 billion

President William Ruto, who took office in 2022, is among Africa’s richest leaders with an estimated fortune of $400 million (£296m).

A significant portion of his wealth comes from real estate investments, including the Weston Hotel in Nairobi and luxury hotels in Mombasa and the Maasai Mara valued at over $24 million (£17.8m).

He also holds shares in the Africa Merchant Assurance Company (AMACO).

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