Aga Khan Global Investments has sold its controlling stake in Kenya's Nation Media Group to politically connected Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi. The deal, finalized last week, transfers ownership of the East African media giant, publisher of the Daily Nation and Kenya's largest newspaper, to Azizi's company, Azizi Holdings. Critics immediately voiced concerns, arguing the transaction threatens editorial independence and undermines press freedom in the region.

The sale marks a significant shift for a media empire long associated with the Aga Khan Foundation's philanthropic work. Azizi, a major investor in Tanzanian infrastructure projects and a close ally of President John Magufuli, now controls a network spanning Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.