Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has spoken after he arrived at the site of his demolished business premises near Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday January 14.
This followed an overnight operation that razed the property despite existing court orders prohibiting interference. The premises, located along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, housed a car yard, car wash, and restaurant, which were completely flattened.
Wamatangi strongly denounced the demolition as a politically motivated act of cowardice aimed at intimidating him and derailing his focus on development.
Speaking at the scene, he emphasized his long-standing history with the site and accused unnamed parties of misusing government offices for personal vendettas. “Stop using government offices to ruin me. Stop using state offices to destroy my property and intimidate me. This is an act of cowardice,” he stated.
He recounted his entrepreneurial journey at the location, highlighting his compliance with legal obligations. “We know that God does not discriminate. I started here in 1994 washing cars. Then I went ahead to sell cars. When I took this premise I took a lease for 65 years for this property from Kenya Railways. I have been faithfully paying the fees for all those years,” he said while addressing the press.
While expressing sympathy for others affected by the demolition, Wamatangi reaffirmed his commitment to non-political development work while signaling his intent to seek re-election.
“I am sorry for those who lost their businesses. I believe in God. Just like our religious leaders have said, I still have the hands. I still have the brains. I said I do not want politics except work for Kiambu residents.” He said while urging those who want to contest for the Governor seat in Kiambu to show up on the battlefield.
In his speech, he hinted that some individuals are using powerful officials to sabotage him.
“Stop using government offices to frustrate us. We did not receive any notice. We have court order. They threatened us and we took this court order,”
Wamatangi described himself as a non-political figure dedicated to progress, suggesting the demolition was an effort to silence him. “I am non-political and a development person. This is intended to silence me and intimidate me, and to remove me from my development agenda so I can become just like everyone else,” he said,
He further outlined his plans to avoid political discourse until March 2027, while not ruling out a gubernatorial run.
“I have made a decision that I’m going to work for the people of Kiambu without a single word of politics until March 2027. But that does not mean I will not run for governor,” he noted
He expressed his confidence in his people trusting that because of the developments he has achieved, the people of Kiambu will vote him in as a governor for the second time.
“We will ensure that the work speaks for itself. You won’t cut off our hands.”
For safety issues, Wamatangi avoided visiting his business premises. He confirmed that he had court orders that were signed when they first destroyed his property. “Yesterday they came here with tear gas and live bullets,
Wamatangi, amid the setback, has vowed to prioritize service to Kiambu residents.
