KIAMBU, Kenya – A faction of Kiambu Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Governor Kimani Wamatangi has raised alarm over what they describe as a coordinated campaign of intimidation aimed at destabilising the county assembly ahead of its reopening next week.
The legislators claim the alleged threats are part of a wider scheme to reorganise the House leadership — including the possible removal of Speaker Charles Thiongo — as groundwork for an impeachment motion against the Governor.
The claims surfaced after Speaker Thiongo filed a formal complaint at the Kiambu Police Station, alleging that unknown individuals visited his private residence on January 21 while he was away sitting examinations at the University of Nairobi.
The Speaker, accompanied by several MCAs and his lawyer, Kariuki Njiri, said the incident raised serious concerns for his family’s safety.
“I was informed by my spouse and the guard that people driving a black Ford Ranger came looking for me at my home,” Thiongo said. “They appeared jittery and unsure. I do not conduct official business at home — my office and the assembly are known. Why intrude into my private space where I live with my young children?”
The Speaker further alleged that a known MCA could be linked to the incident and called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to summon the individual to explain the motive behind the visit.
Deputy Speaker John Njue and Kiuu Ward MCA Zacharia Macharia dismissed the incident as a deliberate attempt to instil fear within the assembly. Macharia said the intimidation was directly tied to efforts to unseat Governor Wamatangi.
“There is a clear agenda to impeach the Governor, and that is why the Speaker is being targeted,” Macharia said. “But more than 50 MCAs stand firmly with the Governor. Any impeachment motion will fail.”
The pro-Wamatangi camp has issued a seven-day ultimatum to security agencies to investigate the alleged harassment of the Speaker and separate reports of gunshots fired by unknown individuals near the Governor’s residence.
Nominated MCA Tabitha Wangui also claimed she had been targeted through false accusations meant to pressure nominated MCAs into withdrawing support for the Governor.
Wangui said she was recently summoned by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party over claims that she had attacked President William Ruto — allegations she described as fabricated.
“The party verified the facts and dismissed the allegations,” Wangui said. “The intention was to intimidate me and others so we sign impeachment papers against Governor Wamatangi.”
As political temperatures rise in Kiambu, lawyer Kariuki Njiri confirmed that the County Commander and the DCI have taken over the investigations, assuring the public of thorough and conclusive inquiries.
Deputy Speaker Njue urged MCAs to de-escalate political tensions and refocus on development.
“This is not the time for early politics and power struggles,” he said. “Our responsibility is service delivery for the people of Kiambu ahead of next year’s elections.”
