P.G. Wodehouse makes another appearance in today’s Telegraph:

President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya is said to have taken to his bed in despair, finding solace, according to a cabinet colleague, “only in the works of P G Wodehouse”.

His choice of author is telling. Mr Kibaki’s two wives, when not bickering with each other, dictate the president’s schedule and often lock out those who might offer him wiser counsel. Their resemblance to many a Wodehouse aunt may strike a chord with the increasingly doddery septuagenarian leader.

But with all the problems Mr. Kibaki might have with his two wives, at least he should only need to buy a couple BMWs for them.

King Mswati III of Swaziland, one of the world’s poorest countries, has spent £450,000 on 10 new BMWs for his 11 wives and three teenage fiancees.

No word on whether King Mswati has secluded himself with the works of P.G. Wodehouse. It seems that he doesn’t have time what with having to spend all the international donations.

Swaziland is kept afloat by more than £14 million of international aid. Yet last year, the king spent almost £9 million on palaces, parties and cars. His 36th birthday party, which was celebrated in the national stadium with 10,000 guests, cost £330,000.

King Mswati does live Bertie Wooster’s lifestyle. I recall at one point Bertie was engaged to two women simultaneously. And he does spend extravagantly on parties. But a key difference: Bertie never intended to marry either of his two fiancees.