Wamatangi Claims Life In Danger, Amid Security Detail Withdrawal, property destruction
Politics Updated: 21 January 2026 08:39 EAT
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi claims his life is in danger
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has raised alarm over his personal safety, saying his life is in danger following what he described as suspicious surveillance and the withdrawal of part of his official security detail. The governor said he was recently trailed by an unknown vehicle carrying several occupants, an incident he termed sinister and threatening.
Wamatangi stated that the incident prompted him to formally seek intervention from the Inspector General of Police, calling for an urgent review and restoration of his security. He noted that although some officers were later reinstated, the episode exposed serious gaps in his protection as a sitting county chief.
The governor’s fears come against the backdrop of the demolition of business premises linked to him near Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The structures, including car wash and car yard facilities along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, were flattened during a night operation involving bulldozers and a heavy police presence.
Wamatangi strongly condemned the demolitions, describing them as politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate him. He insisted that no written eviction notice was served and accused state agencies of acting with impunity and disregard for due process.
Government agencies, particularly Kenya Railways Corporation, have defended the demolitions, saying the structures stood on a railway reserve earmarked for infrastructure development ahead of major projects, including facilities linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Kenya Railways maintains that the operation was lawful and part of a broader repossession exercise.
However, the governor disputes this position, arguing that his businesses were operating under a long-term lease arrangement dating back several decades. He says the matter is subject to an ongoing legal dispute and that court orders barring eviction were in force at the time of the demolition.
The case has raised questions about respect for court orders, with Wamatangi’s legal team alleging contempt of court and procedural violations. Lawyers acting for the governor say they will pursue further legal action to establish accountability for the destruction of property.
Security concerns around the governor are not new. In recent months, Wamatangi has previously reported other disturbing incidents, including a gunshot near his residence, which heightened his concerns about targeted intimidation.
Separately, the governor has faced heightened scrutiny from investigative agencies, including past raids by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged financial improprieties, allegations he has consistently denied. He has repeatedly claimed that some of these actions are driven by political interests.
As investigations into both the security threat claims and the demolition dispute continue, Wamatangi says he remains focused on his duties as Kiambu governor but insists that his safety and the rule of law must be guaranteed.
Tags: Editor's Pick Kiambu County Kimani Wamatangi Politics Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
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FELIX MAKONA
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