Governor Wamatangi in Tears After Police-Watched Demolition Destroys Business Built Over 40 Years
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has emotionally addressed the media after his multi-million shilling business premises along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, off Lang’ata Road, were demolished in a late-night operation that he claims was politically motivated.
The dramatic demolition took place on the night of Tuesday into Wednesday, June 14, when excavators and bulldozers moved in under heavy police presence to flatten structures and destroy vehicles at the site. The operation reportedly went ahead despite existing court orders barring any interference with the property.
Speaking to journalists hours after the incident, a visibly distressed Wamatangi struggled to hold back tears as he detailed the losses suffered by himself and dozens of workers who depended on the business for their livelihoods. The governor insisted that no formal notice or eviction warning had been issued prior to the destruction.
“There was no single notice from any authority,” Wamatangi said. “All that has happened today is because of politics, and I ask myself, when will this political persecution targeting Wamatangi end?”
The Kiambu county boss recounted his long personal history at the site, revealing that his journey there began more than three decades ago when he was struggling to make ends meet.
“I started working in this area in 1994 as a mandazi hawker,” he said. “After 40 years of toiling, everything I have built has been reduced to rubble in one night.”
Wamatangi apologised to the many employees and small business owners affected by the demolition, describing them as innocent victims caught in a political storm.
“I have employed so many people here, and there are many business owners. I want to tell them I am sorry,” he said. “I believe in God. They have destroyed property, but they did not cut my hands or interfere with my brain. I leave these losses to God.”
In a startling revelation, the governor displayed what he claimed were bullets recovered from the scene, raising concerns over his personal safety. He alleged that the sustained pressure against him was not only meant to derail his leadership but could also be an attempt on his life.
“I have suffered as a child of a single mother, and I believe God will take care of everything,” Wamatangi said. “I have been in and out of court many times, all in attempts to bar me from serving the people of Kiambu.”
The embattled governor questioned why he has been unable to live or work peacefully, suggesting that powerful forces were determined to silence him.
“I want to know what I did that I cannot peacefully work, walk, or even stay in my own house,” he said. “But we will succeed, for the Lord is with us.”
Despite the setback, Wamatangi struck a defiant tone, insisting that he would not be drawn into political exchanges ahead of the 2027 elections. He confirmed that he remains committed to seeking re-election and will not abandon his political ambitions.
“I will not engage in political battles until 2027,” he said, adding that efforts to intimidate or silence him would not deter his resolve.
Hours after the demolition, the governor returned to the scene accompanied by his legal team, clergy, and supporters, as they inspected the damage and vowed to pursue justice through legal channels.
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Governor Wamatangi in Tears After Police-Watched Demolition Destroys Business Built Over 40 Years