Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi Arrested in EACC Raid as Anti-Graft Pressure Mounts

By Archeadious Kubai

 Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and eight senior county officials were arrested on Wednesday during a high-profile raid by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Authorities recovered Kshs. 15 million in cash—part of it in US dollars—suspected to be embezzled public funds.

The arrests follow years of damning Auditor General reports that pointed to widespread financial misconduct within Kiambu County. “Each audit revealed deeper theft than the last,” said a civil society activist. “Officials kept stealing because no one held them accountable.”

Mounting public pressure catalyzed the crackdown. The Bunge Mashinani Initiative, a grassroots movement, galvanized local residents under the banner of #TupiganeNaUfisadi, collecting and submitting audit-based evidence to EACC. “We bombarded them with proof until they had no choice but to act,” said one campaigner.

“This money should be building hospitals and fixing water systems—not funding lavish lifestyles for corrupt leaders,” declared another CSO leader.

Wamatangi’s arrest adds to Kiambu’s growing record of corruption scandals. His predecessor, Ferdinand Waititu, is currently serving a sentence for fraud, and former Nyandarua Governor Daniel Waithaka was also jailed for corruption.

“Waititu’s conviction was barely finalized before another governor landed in handcuffs,” said an anti-graft advocate. “This cycle must stop.”

Activists are now pushing for tougher enforcement of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. They are also calling on Parliament to fast-track the long-delayed Whistleblower Protection Bill to safeguard those exposing corruption.

As investigations continue, Kiambu residents are cautiously hopeful. “We want every stolen shilling returned—and every corrupt official behind bars,” said a local trader.