Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi

He was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, April 15, 2025, over suspected corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

The arrest came after EACC officers carried out early morning raids at the governor’s residence and county offices.

During the operation, the detectives confiscated documents and electronic devices believed to be key to the ongoing investigations.

During the operation, officers recovered KSh12 million and $13,000 in cash. The investigation centers on suspected financial and procurement irregularities, including a KSh230 million ERP contract and questionable payments totaling KSh1.5 billion involving county officials and various businesses.

Governor Wamatangi was not the only one arrested. According to a report by KBC, nine senior officials from the Kiambu County Government were also taken into custody.

All ten individuals are under investigation for alleged embezzlement of county funds and possible conflict of interest in procurement processes.

Following the raid, some local residents gathered outside Wamatangi’s home to protest. They chanted anti-government slogans, particularly against President William Ruto, and promised to resist what they described as political intimidation.

The EACC has confirmed that the officials have been under investigation for some time now. The commission’s CEO, Abdi Mohamud, is expected to issue an official statement later in the day.

EACC Targets More Graft Cases Across Kenya

Wamatangi’s arrest is part of a larger anti-corruption crackdown by the EACC. This week, the agency has lined up several high-profile cases in courts across the country, from April 14 to 17.

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Notable Cases Include:

• Nyeri Land Case – April 17, 2025:
  A ruling is expected in a case involving John Peter and eight others. The dispute concerns a piece of public land (Nyeri Municipality Block I/1105) allegedly taken from government housing. The court will decide whether to remove some of the involved parties from the case.
• KSh 302 Million Prisons Scandal – April 16–17, 2025:
  Former deputy commissioner general of prisons, Benjamin Obuya Njoga, along with 13 others, will appear in court to face charges of abuse of office, money laundering, and fraud. The case revolves around a scheme to steal KSh 302 million from the State Department of Correctional Services.
• IEBC Funds Misuse – April 17, 2025:
  Ezekiel Muiruri and Ann Njoki are accused of embezzling KSh 4 million from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Their case will be heard in Nakuru.
• Uwezo Fund Fraud – April 17, 2025:
  Alexander Musyoka Kimatu and Michael Kauvi Mungata face charges for allegedly conspiring to steal KSh 2 million from the Uwezo Fund in Mwala, Machakos County.

Wamatangi Responds to Pressure and Impeachment Threats

Meanwhile, Governor Wamatangi has responded to growing political pressure and threats of impeachment from Kiambu Members of County Assembly (MCAs). He brushed off the threats and said he remains committed to serving the people of Kiambu.

He claimed that he is being targeted because he closed financial loopholes that had allowed corruption to flourish in the past.

Defending himself, Wamatangi stated,

“How can I steal from the same people I grew up with? I was raised by a single mother who struggled just like many Kiambu residents.”

He insists that his efforts to clean up the county’s finances have angered those who once benefited from corruption.

An official statement from the EACC is expected soon, and the case is likely to draw more national attention in the coming days.