Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi appears to be walking a political tightrope as pressure mounts from multiple fronts, following the overnight demolition of a business linked to him in Nairobi, behind the Nyayo National Stadium.
For much of Wednesday morning, the governor surveyed debris at the site, where he had operated a car wash, carpet cleaning service, and, more recently, a motor vehicle sales yard. Armed police officers had guarded a bulldozer that flattened the premises during a night operation, leaving vehicles and equipment destroyed.
“You have seen all that has been done: vehicles that were being used even by the youth, garbage-collecting trucks, customers’ vehicles scheduled for washing. My wife’s car has also been affected; it was flattened by a bulldozer and another car laid on top of it. By God’s grace we will rise up again,” Wamatangi said.
Authorities said the demolition was carried out over claims that the property stood on government land. However, Wamatangi appeared visibly shaken, hinting at political motives behind the exercise.
“I started my business here in 1994, selling mandazis and tea across the road as a young man. I came here and started washing cars and carpets before I began selling vehicles. I raised myself business-wise here. I went to Kenya Railways and took a lease for this land and have been faithfully paying every month. But whatever has happened today is politically instigated. When will this political persecution end for me? This frustration as Kiambu governor for how long will it persist?” he added.
The demolition comes amid growing political tension in Kiambu County. In recent months, Wamatangi has refrained from openly aligning with President William Ruto’s two-term agenda, putting him at odds with some of the President’s allies. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and other allied leaders have publicly criticized him, with talk of unseating him in the 2027 elections gaining momentum.
Meanwhile, rival political camps have rallied behind former governor Alice Ng’ang’a as a potential challenger. During a recent church function attended by President Ruto, Alice Ng’ang’a boldly declared: “Soon and very soon I will be Kiambu County governor,” prompting jeers and loud exchanges between her supporters and those of Wamatangi.
“They are doing this to me and it is not the first time. This is all based on politics in Kiambu County. I still have my hands and the business acumen. I believe I will rise again,” Wamatangi said.
The demolition destroyed several vehicles belonging to both Wamatangi and his customers, and hundreds of young people employed at the premises lost their jobs. “I have employed a lot of young people here, and sadly they have to lose their jobs because of politics,” he added.
Local businessman Derrick Mbugua appealed to national leaders to protect livelihoods. “My plea to the President is to make sure that politics does not affect people’s businesses and sources of livelihood. We have breadwinners here who had MPESA shops, barbershops, food vendors who will now lose their sources of income,” he said.
