Kiambu MCAs rally behind Wamatangi as EACC links him to Sh1.27bn scandal

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi addressing the media along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on April 15, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Days after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) linked Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to alleged irregular spending of Sh1.27 billion, some Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have mounted a spirited defence, insisting the corruption link is politically motivated. Speaking after a church service on Sunday at PCEA Komothai in Githunguri Constituency, the MCAs dismissed the EACC's claims as a political witch-hunt aimed at undermining the governor's administration. Wamatangi is facing allegations of involvement in a Sh1.27 billion corruption scandal linked to a tender reportedly awarded through family proxies during his tenure as Kiambu Senator in 2017. The anti-graft body recently forwarded files recommending the prosecution of three sitting governors, among them Wamatangi. Alongside the Kiambu governor, the EACC has also recommended prosecution of Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over alleged scandals amounting to Sh728 million and Sh152 million, respectively. Led by Kiambu County Deputy Speaker and Hospital Ward MCA John Ndichu, the host of elected and nominated MCAs, accused EACC of being used as a tool to settle political scores. "If at all that money went missing, have they just woken up now and realized it? When we look at it from that dimension, we feel this is a politically instigated process meant to deter us from doing our work in Kiambu County and, more importantly, from delivering to our people," Njiru said. The MCAs pledged unwavering support for Wamatangi, urging his political rivals to refrain from early campaigning and allow the current administration to deliver on its mandate. Limuru Central Ward MCA Nduta Muongi questioned the timing of the allegations. "I am the chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the Assembly, and my concern is similar to what my colleagues have expressed. We are trying to look at this whole scenario, but nothing seems to add up. They are talking about a billion shillings said to have gone missing in 2017, and we are wondering what that has to do with our current situation in Kiambu," she said. Earlier, Wamatangi, who joined worshippers at the same church, attributed the mounting political pressure to his refusal to engage in corrupt dealings. "Please pray for your governor. A few months ago, they came looking for allegations against me, but they found none that could implicate me. Now they have come after my wife, my children, and even my auntie. Their accounts have been closed so that, if they arrest me over the cases, they have implicated me in, no one in my family will be able to bond me out," Wamatangi told the congregants. The governor further cited attempts by unnamed individuals to irregularly acquire public assets, including a 100-acre parcel of land ceded by Del Monte fruit processing company in Thika. He urged the church to continue praying for him amid what he described as a political witch-hunt, reaffirming his commitment to service delivery. "Pray for me, because if they fail to find a case against me, I fear they might come for my life. I am worried they may try to harm me. Will you pray for me? Will you stand in prayer, so that when they find no case against me, they will not take my life? Thank you, and God bless you all," he added.

Kiambu MCAs rally behind Wamatangi as EACC links him to Sh1.27bn scandal

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Kiambu MCAs rally behind Wamatangi as EACC links him to Sh1.27bn scandal

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