The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has denounced the demolition of his property, terming it a cowardly move meant to intimidate and silence him.
Addressing the matter on Wednesday, Wamatangi alleged that certain individuals were abusing state offices to undermine his leadership and interfere with his service to Kiambu residents. He accused them of using government machinery to destroy his property and instill fear, saying such actions were aimed at derailing his work.
The governor emphasized that he remains focused on development rather than politics, noting that he has intentionally avoided political confrontations to concentrate on service delivery. He claimed the demolition was meant to distract him from his development agenda and force him into political battles.
Wamatangi reiterated that he intends to serve the people of Kiambu without engaging in political campaigning until March 2027, although he made it clear that he still plans to seek re-election. He expressed confidence that voters would return him to office based on his performance, insisting that results—not intimidation—would speak for him.
He cautioned political rivals against using state agencies to interfere with his work or damage his property, urging them to pursue their ambitions independently.
The governor further claimed that his residence had previously been raided and warned that repeated incidents posed a serious risk to his personal safety. He said fears over targeted violence had even influenced his public engagements.
Despite these concerns, Wamatangi maintained that he would not abandon his mandate, stressing that his commitment to the people of Kiambu remains unwavering.
He also stated that no formal notice was issued prior to the demolition, despite existing court orders related to earlier incidents. According to him, the latest operation involved the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
The remarks followed a dawn demolition in which bulldozers and excavators, under heavy police presence, tore down semi-permanent structures and damaged vehicles at his business premises along Douglas Wakiihuri Road off Lang’ata Road. Businesses affected included a car yard, car wash, and restaurant.
Debris littered the area afterward, and sections of the road were temporarily closed, disrupting traffic. The site, located near the railway line close to Nyayo Stadium, was heavily guarded as contractors carried out the exercise.
Nairobi police commander George Seda said officers were deployed to assist Kenya Railways in reclaiming the land and reported that no injuries occurred. He added that property owners had been notified to vacate but allegedly resisted, prompting police involvement.
The demolition came shortly after Wamatangi, through his company, sought court protection, citing verbal threats of eviction. In a case filed at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates’ Court, he argued that the land belongs to Kenya Railways but has been legally leased to his company for over two decades, with rent consistently paid and acknowledged.
The petition states that representatives of Kenya Railways issued verbal eviction demands in December without serving a formal notice, actions Wamatangi says violate constitutional property rights and lawful eviction procedures under the Land Act.
