KIAMBU, Kenya — Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has publicly condemned the demolition of several businesses linked to him near Nyayo Stadium, alleging the operation was politically motivated and aimed at sidelining him from the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Speaking at the scene on Wednesday morning under heavy police guard, Wamatangi insisted he was the rightful owner of the destroyed properties. “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,” he said.
The governor said the demolitions were part of broader political persecution, designed to distract him from delivering services to Kiambu residents. He vowed to continue his political ambitions.
“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 reported that police fired live bullets and deployed teargas during the operation, which flattened businesses and disrupted the surrounding area. Wamatangi, however, stressed that he would not seek revenge and would instead leave the matter in God’s hands, committing to pursue legal and peaceful channels.
The governor revealed he held a 65-year land lease from Kenya Railways, for which he has been paying rent consistently. “There was no default, no issue with payments,” he said.
He also claimed that despite receiving a tip about the demolitions, he could not visit the site early in the morning due to reports of gunshots, which he feared could have been targeting him.
On whether he received formal notice before the demolitions, Wamatangi insisted he had not. “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.
The demolitions, carried out late Tuesday night into early Wednesday, razed car yards, a car wash, restaurants, and other commercial establishments along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, just behind Nyayo National Stadium.
Authorities have said the operation was intended to pave the way for a major infrastructure project, including a train station linking Nairobi CBD with Nyayo Stadium and the upcoming Talanta Stadium.
Residents and local business owners have expressed frustration over the economic and social disruption caused, while religious leaders and civic groups continue to call for transparency and respect for property rights.
Investigations into the legal basis for the demolitions remain ongoing.
