Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi Claims Politics is Behind Nyayo Stadium Demolitions

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has broken his silence following the demolition of several businesses linked to him in the Nyayo Stadium area, alleging that the move was politically motivated to force him out of the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Speaking when he visited the scene where the demolitions took place under the hawk-eyed watch of a heavy contingent of police officers on Wednesday morning, Wamatangi maintained that he was the rightful owner of the demolished business.

The governor claimed the demolitions formed part of a political persecution and were part of the government's latest attempts to distract him from delivering for the people of Kiambu.

"I began here as a small boy selling tea and mandazis and rose to establish the business that was here. What has happened is purely political and intended to silence me and intimidate me," Wamatangi said.

He vowed to continue his political ambitions despite the incident, stating, "If you want to be the Governor of Kiambu, you should come to the people and not through intimidation. I won't be intimidated, and I will vie for the governorship without fear or favour," he added.

Eyewitnesses said police at the scene fired live bullets and deployed teargas to control the operation and intimidate those present during the demolitions.

Wamatangi, however, stated he would not seek revenge, choosing instead to leave the matter in the hands of God, while emphasising his commitment to legal and peaceful channels.

He further revealed that he held a 65-year land lease from Kenya Railways, for which he had been paying rent consistently every month, and there was no concern of default.

The Governor added that despite receiving a tip about the demolitions, he could not visit the scene in the early hours due to reports of gunshots that rent the air. He said he feared for his life, noting that the gunfire could have been targeting him.

On whether he had been issued a formal notice before the demolitions, Wamatangi insisted that neither he nor his team received any documentation. "I can tell you for sure that there was never even one single day of notice. If there was a notice, let them produce it," he challenged.

"I started working here in 1994, washing cars and eventually selling them. I have nurtured myself in this area, taking a lease that I pay for each month. Everything that has happened today is political," he added.

The demolitions, carried out on the night of Wednesday, January 14, targeted businesses and properties worth millions of shillings to make way for an upcoming infrastructure project. Bulldozers and excavators were deployed to flatten the structures, while police oversaw the operation.

Among the properties destroyed along Douglas Wakiihiru Road, just behind Nyayo National Stadium, were car yards, a car wash, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.