Wamatangi’s Arrest Sparks Protests Outside EACC Offices as Corruption Probe Deepens
A wave of tension gripped Nairobi on Tuesday after a group of supporters of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi staged protests outside the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters. The demonstration followed the dramatic early morning arrest of the governor and nine senior county officials over an alleged Ksh.1.5 billion embezzlement scandal.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters demanded Wamatangi’s immediate release, claiming the arrest was politically motivated. The crowd grew steadily outside the EACC offices along Valley Road, drawing heavy police presence to maintain order.
The embattled governor was taken in for questioning at around 12:30 pm, where he was expected to record a statement regarding alleged fraudulent transactions under his administration.
According to the EACC, the governor and his co-accused are suspected of orchestrating a complex web of fictitious contracts and irregular payments. Central to the probe is a Ksh.230 million deal awarded to Filtronic International for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system—an initiative investigators now believe may have been ghostwork.
In a morning raid on the governor’s residence, authorities reportedly seized Ksh.12 million in cash and USD 13,000 (approximately Ksh.1.6 million), raising further concerns about unexplained wealth. EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud confirmed that the cash haul is part of evidence pointing to potential abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.
“The discovery of large sums of unexplained cash in the possession of public officials is deeply concerning,” said Mohamud. “We have substantial evidence to support possible criminal charges, and we will not hesitate to act.”
The high-profile arrests come at a time when the EACC has intensified its crackdown on graft, especially within devolved units. The Commission says it is keen on sending a strong message against economic crimes that continue to cripple public service delivery.
As investigations unfold, all eyes are now on the courts to determine the fate of Governor Wamatangi and his administration.
In other news:Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threats to His Life, Lists Six ‘Planned’ Attacks
Wamatangi’s Arrest Sparks Protests Outside EACC Offices as Corruption Probe Deepens