BREAKING NEWS: Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has been arrested by EACC detectives, along with nine top county officials. The arrests follow early morning raids targeting alleged embezzlement of public funds and conflict of interest. Following the arrest, Governor Wamatangi was taken to the Integrity Centre in Nairobi, alongside other County Officials for questioning.
The ten officials have been under investigation for mismanagement of public funds. Political leaders from Kiambu County have, for months, demanded thorough inquiries into the governor’s conduct. Wamatangi succeeded Ferdinand Waititu, who is currently serving a prison sentence for a Ksh558 million corruption case.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, in February 2024, urged the EACC to probe the county’s payment system, accusing the governor of changing it from automation to manual processes. Thang’wa claimed this change facilitated the emergence of ghost workers, leading to the embezzlement of Ksh390 million.
“The reversion to a manual payroll system, under the guise of technical issues, has created the perfect environment for theft. Suspected ghost workers have received over Ksh390 million in fraudulent payments,” Thang’wa stated on 27 February 2024. He further alleged that 15 county officers amassed over Ksh500 million through this scheme, while over 200 officials were unlawfully contacted by the county.
“I urge the EACC to act swiftly and decisively in halting this plunder of public resources and bringing those responsible to justice,” he added.
Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah and Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a echoed similar concerns, raising the issue with the EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on 27 November 2024. MP Ng’ang’a accused the government of embezzling funds, while Ichung’wah called for the Auditor General to review the matter.
“Whether you are an MCA or a governor, your days are numbered, and in Kiambu County, the days have finally come. Let EACC and DCI take the report, do investigations, and arrest people,” Ichung’wah declared.
By Grace Githinji
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