Kimani Wamatangi’s Troubles Escalate as High Court Freezes Bank Accounts in Sh813m Graft Probe
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s legal and political woes have deepened after the High Court ordered the freezing of bank accounts linked to him, his immediate family, and several associates over an Sh813 million corruption and asset recovery case.
In a ruling delivered in Nairobi, Justice Benjamin Mwikya directed that the accounts belonging to Wamatangi, his wife, children, and 10 other individuals named in the suit be preserved pending the determination of civil recovery proceedings filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The court heard that when the matter was initially placed before the trial judge, no preservation orders were in force, a situation that had since changed, prompting fresh intervention by the court.
Justice Mwikya noted that had the preservation orders been active at the time, the trial court would have had the opportunity to fully consider the governor’s objections. However, he agreed with the EACC that circumstances had evolved and now warranted urgent action to safeguard the disputed funds.
“I therefore agree with the plaintiff’s counsel that the circumstances have changed, and in the interest of justice, I grant prayer to the plaintiff’s application until February 4, 2026, when this matter will be placed before the court,” Justice Mwikya ruled.
EACC warns of risk to disputed funds
The anti-graft agency argued that without preservation orders, there was a real risk that funds linked to the alleged corruption scheme could be withdrawn, transferred, or dissipated, potentially undermining the ongoing recovery case.
According to the EACC, the orders were necessary to secure assets believed to be proceeds of crime while investigations and court proceedings continue.
Wamatangi arrested in EACC raids
The ruling comes against the backdrop of dramatic raids conducted last April, when EACC detectives arrested Governor Wamatangi following searches at his residence and Kiambu County offices.
During the operation, investigators seized documents and electronic devices believed to be critical to the probe. Nine senior Kiambu County officials were also arrested in connection with investigations into the alleged embezzlement of public funds and conflict of interest in procurement processes.
The EACC said the individuals had been under investigation for suspected mismanagement of county resources, with the Sh813 million figure forming the basis of the civil recovery proceedings now before the court.
Business demolished in overnight operation
The freezing of the governor’s accounts came just a day after he suffered major losses when his business premises in Nairobi were demolished in a late-night operation under tight police security.
Bulldozers and excavators moved in shortly after midnight along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, off Lang’ata Road, flattening structures, destroying equipment, and damaging several vehicles, including one linked to Wamatangi.
By morning, Superclean Shine Enterprises—a business offering car wash, carpet cleaning, and mechanical services—had been reduced to rubble, leaving dozens of workers stranded.
Videos widely shared online showed riot police patrolling the area as excavators tore through the premises, with officers armed with batons and tear gas launchers. The demolition sparked unrest, with clashes reported between police and youths, bonfires lit along the road, and shots fired into the air to disperse crowds.
Governor cries foul, Kenya Railways responds
Reacting to the demolition, Wamatangi accused political rivals of orchestrating the move, claiming it was part of a sustained campaign of intimidation and harassment.
He alleged the demolition was carried out without prior notice, despite a court order, and said he had endured political persecution for over three years, both in office and at home.
Addressing allegations that he had encroached on public land, the governor insisted he had legally leased the property in 1994 and had consistently paid the required monthly dues.
However, Kenya Railways appeared to justify the demolition, stating that notices had been issued to property owners along the Nyayo Stadium corridor. The agency said it was reclaiming the land as part of preparations to construct a new railway line ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya is set to co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
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Kimani Wamatangi’s Troubles Escalate as High Court Freezes Bank Accounts in Sh813m Graft Probe