NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the demolition of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s business premises in Nairobi, saying the governor’s property and vehicles were destroyed in an operation he described as politically motivated and unjust.
Speaking in Kiambu, Gachagua said Wamatangi, whom he referred to as “our son”, should not be persecuted, and asked that any allegations against him be made clear before punitive actions are taken.
He criticised what he described as excessive force, noting that even vehicles belonging to customers were wrecked during the demolition.
“I am proud of the Kiambu MCAs,” Gachagua said, applauding county lawmakers who he said “refused to be bribed” to impeach Wamatangi.
“They destroyed Kimani Wamatangi’s vehicles in Nairobi… If there is anything Wamatangi has done, let us be told,” he added.
The demolition took place in mid-January, with heavy police presence overseeing the flattening of the property along Aerodrome Road in Lang’ata and the destruction of business structures and vehicles within the compound.
Residents and workers were reportedly caught off guard by the late-night operation, prompting anger and confrontations with authorities.
Gachagua alleged that pressure from some Members of Parliament from Kiambu County led to the action, which he said was intended to “cut Wamatangi to size” amid tensions over the governor’s rising influence and his association with the DCP.
He claimed that MPs demanded punitive measures, including demolition and potential criminal charges, as conditions for continued political support in the region.
Wamatangi has publicly described the demolition as politically motivated intimidation, saying his business operations, a car wash, carpet cleaning and mechanical service enterprise, were lawful and built on leased land from Kenya Railways.
He maintained that he was not given advance notice and that the action was aimed at distracting him from his development agenda in Kiambu County.
The governor has said he plans to remain focused on public service, dismissing calls for political confrontation until 2027, even as he faces legal and political challenges linked to his role and rising profile.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid wider national political tensions, including his own fallout with the current government and ongoing debates over his impeachment, which was initiated in late 2024 and has seen legal challenges and public divisions.
