Kiambu MCAs defend Wamatangi over corruption allegations by EACC

A section of Kiambu County Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) has come out strongly in defense of Governor Kimani Wamatangi following recent corruption allegations reported by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Wamatangi is facing a Sh 1.27 billion corruption scandal in a tender he is reported to have been awarded through family proxies when he was serving as Kiambu senator in 2017.

But speaking during a church service at PCEA Komothai in Githunguri Constituency, the MCAs dismissed the EACC’s claims as politically motivated and intended to undermine the governor’s administration.

The anti-graft body had earlier forwarded files recommending the prosecution of three sitting governors, among them Wamatangi.

Led by Kiambu County Deputy Speaker and Hospital Ward MCA John Ndichu, alongside Limuru Central MCA Nduta Wamuongi, the ward representatives accused the EACC of being used as a tool to settle political scores.

The MCAs pledged unwavering support for Governor Wamatangi, urging his political rivals to refrain from early campaigning and allow the current administration to deliver on its mandate.

Addressing congregants in Kikuyu dialect during the service, Governor Wamatangi attributed the rising political pressure to his refusal to engage in corrupt dealings.

He specifically cited attempts by unnamed individuals to irregularly acquire public assets, including a 100-acre parcel of land ceded by the Delmonte fruit processing company in Thika.

He also asked the church to pray for him amid what he described as a political witch hunt, reaffirming that he would stay focused on service delivery and only engage in politics when the campaign season arrives.

Alongside Wamatangi, EACC has also recommended the prosecution of his Marsabit and Bomet governors Mohamud Ali and Hillary Barchok over Sh 728 million and Sh 152 million corruption scandals respectively.