Nairobi, Jan. 24 -- When news leaked on Wednesday that Istanbul-based Celebi Aviation had acquired airport services firm Transglobal Cargo for $40.1 million (Sh5.17 billion), the owner of the Kenyan firm, Peter Muthoka, received many congratulatory messages from friends and acquaintances.

Among the younger generation who are active online, there was a quest to know more about the billionaire who had amassed such a fortune behind the scenes.

In the decades that he has been in business, Mr Muthoka rarely makes the news. When he does, it is usually in relation to a lucrative exit or a substantial donation he has made to a presidential aspirant or a national cause.

When reached for comment on the sale of the company offering ground handlin...