NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a major operation targeting Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and nine other senior county officials in connection with allegations of embezzlement of public funds.
The operation includes raids on residential and office premises, with sources revealing that significant amounts of cash have already been recovered.
The raid is being conducted under the suspicion that public funds were misappropriated, though the specifics of the allegations remain under investigation.
“Very big cash recovered so far,” sources close to the operation told Y News, though the total amount remains undisclosed.
However, the move has sparked controversy within Kiambu County, with some officials and insiders dismissing the raid as politically motivated.
Senior officials in the Governor’s office have accused powerful figures in the government of using the criminal justice system to stifle dissent and undermine local leadership.
Governor Wamatangi, who has not been known for criticizing the government, has faced no prior public disputes with the national administration.
He recently took part in organizing Kiambu residents to welcome President William Ruto during his political tour of the Mt. Kenya region, reinforcing his loyalty to the current government.
Despite these allegations, the EACC has emphasized that the investigation is in line with its mandate to combat corruption and ensure accountability in government operations.
The commission has assured the public that it will act without fear or favor to investigate any potential misuse of public funds, regardless of political affiliations.
This high-profile operation has raised eyebrows across political and governance circles, with some questioning whether it is part of a broader effort to discredit county leadership or if it signals a genuine crackdown on corruption at the local government level.