Governor Kimani Wamatangi of Kiambu County faces intense inspection amid allegations of corruption and financial misconduct. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided his residence and offices, recovering large sums of money allegedly tied to graft. They accuse the governor and senior county officials of irregular procurement and misuse of public funds amounting to billions of Kenyan shillings.
Governor Wamatangi has strongly denied these allegations, calling them politically motivated. Speaking outside the EACC headquarters, he described the raid as “political intimidation” meant to tarnish his administration. He promised to provide evidence proving his innocence and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and development.
“Nilikua najitayarisha kuenda kazini… kabla ya saa 11 asubuhi (5AM) nikaambiwa na watu wangu wakasema hapo nje kumejaa polisi. Nikauliza wanataka nini, nikaambiwa wanasema wanataka kukagua,” he explained.
The accusations include awarding a KSh 230 million contract for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, allegedly involving fictitious supplies and irregular payments. The EACC claims this investigation is part of a broader probe into financial malpractices within the county government.
Despite these accusations, Wamatangi remains defiant. He asserts that his administration is being targeted because of its achievements. He vowed to continue his development agenda for Kiambu County, undeterred by what he perceives as attempts to derail his leadership.
The situation has divided Kiambu residents. Some express outrage over the alleged corruption, while others view the allegations as a smear campaign. Protests erupted outside Wamatangi’s residence, with supporters demanding his release and criticizing the EACC’s actions.
By Grace Githinji
