The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that the demolition of business premises associated with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi was driven by political motives, linked to the governor’s rising profile and the growing influence of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
In a detailed statement shared on social media, Gachagua alleged that a group of MPs met President William Ruto on Monday evening, January 12, 2026, at Sagana State Lodge, where they raised concerns about Governor Wamatangi’s increasing popularity.
According to Gachagua, the lawmakers reportedly made continued political support for the President conditional on firm action being taken against the Kiambu governor.
He claimed they pushed for measures aimed at weakening Wamatangi politically, starting with the demolition of his business premises on Aerodrome Road in Nairobi, followed by criminal investigations through the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged economic crimes.
The former DP further alleged that the MPs called for heightened police action to disrupt DCP meetings in Kiambu County and across the Mt Kenya region. He claimed this would involve plainclothes police officers working alongside state-backed groups to block the party’s activities.
Gachagua claimed that although President Ruto was initially hesitant—citing the political risks of such moves so close to the next election—he eventually yielded to pressure and directed the Interior Cabinet Secretary to take action.
He alleged that the demolition was carried out overnight under heavy police presence and resulted in the destruction of customers’ vehicles as well.
“Governor Wamatangi’s business premises, including vehicles belonging to customers, were destroyed in a night operation supervised by hundreds of police officers,” Gachagua said.
He also claimed that the EACC and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) were preparing possible charges against the governor, and that a special police unit was being established to block DCP meetings in the region.
“These actions are pointless. The mountain has already made its decision,” Gachagua said, warning that what he termed as persecution of Mt Kenya leaders would only strengthen opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua urged Kenyans not to be intimidated and called on Kiambu residents to stand with their governor, assuring Wamatangi of his full support.
Governor Wamatangi, however, said he would avoid political confrontations and focus on development until March 2027.
Speaking after visiting the demolished carwash site in Nairobi, he said he had deliberately chosen to stay away from politics to concentrate on service delivery in Kiambu County.
“I have decided to work for the people of Kiambu without engaging in politics until March 2027. That does not mean I will not run for governor,” he said.
The governor described the demolition as an act of intimidation, accusing unnamed individuals of using state offices and government machinery to silence him.
“Stop using government offices to destroy my property and intimidate me. This is an act of cowardice,” he said.
Wamatangi insisted he is a development-focused leader and said the incident was intended to derail his agenda. He maintained confidence in retaining his seat in 2027, saying Kiambu residents would judge him based on performance.
He also raised concerns about his personal safety, citing repeated raids at his home, and claimed that the demolition was carried out without notice despite existing court orders.
“They came with tear gas and live bullets, yet we have court orders from the last incident,” Wamatangi said, terming the situation worrying.
