A registered voter from Limuru Constituency has filed a petition in court seeking to restrain the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from arresting or harassing Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi. The application, filed under a certificate of urgency, contends that continued investigations and actions against the governor risk undermining the constitutional rights of Kiambu residents to development and good governance.
The petitioner argues that the actions of the EACC and DCI are politically motivated and constitute a targeted campaign to unseat Governor Wamatangi through unlawful means. According to the court documents, political bloggers have been disseminating information on WhatsApp groups and Facebook platforms, Uteti wa Limuru, Limuru Sub-county Politics, and Limuru Notice Board, allegedly revealing covert plans to replace the governor with his deputy, Rosemary Njeri Kirika.
“The activities of political bloggers clearly indicate that this is purely a political witch-hunt to overthrow Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi and replace him with his deputy governor through the backdoor,” the petitioner stated in an affidavit.
The affidavit further alleges that individuals aligned with Governor Wamatangi’s political opponents are using state agencies to frame him on corruption charges, with the ultimate aim of removing him from office and barring him from his official duties.
On 15 April 2025, EACC detectives conducted a morning raid on Governor Wamatangi’s private residence and subsequently escorted him to their offices at Integrity Centre, Nairobi, where he recorded a statement. This development followed extensive investigations into suspected financial impropriety in the county government.
Among those under investigation are County Secretary Peter Njoroge Ndegwa, Finance CEC Nancy Njeri Kirumba, Lands CEC Salome Muthoni Wainaina, and Chief Officer of Finance William Kinyanjui Kimani. The EACC has cited two primary concerns: a Ksh. 230 million contract awarded to Filtronic International for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, and a series of payments allegedly made for services that were never rendered. Preliminary findings suggest significant procurement irregularities and potential collusion between county officials and private entities.
In her determination, Justice Chepkwony granted temporary relief, directing that the petition be served on the respondents and that they respond within seven days. The application will be heard inter partes on 22 May 2025.
The petitioner maintains that the orders sought are necessary to prevent irreparable harm and will not prejudice the respondents if granted.
