Kenya Insights

Tag: Kiambu county

  • Senator Karungo Pushes for Impeachment for Governors Running Unauthorized Bank Accounts

    Senator Karungo Pushes for Impeachment for Governors Running Unauthorized Bank Accounts

    Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has stirred fresh debate by proposing stricter grounds for impeaching governors who run unauthorized commercial bank accounts.

    His bold move directly targets Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accused of overseeing multi-billion shilling embezzlement in the county.

    Speaking after a Senate Committee on Devolution meeting, Karungo declared that many county governments violate the law by maintaining bank accounts not approved by the National Treasury.

    His proposal could shake up governance in counties, ensuring tighter controls on public funds. As pressure mounts, governors may soon face new legal battles to keep their positions.

    Senator Karungo Pushes for Impeachment for Governors Running Unauthorized Bank Accounts
    Governors will have to tighten their financial practices or face the real threat of impeachment. For now, all eyes are on Kiambu and the next moves of Governor Kimani Wamatangi. Kiambu alone operates 276 commercial accounts, while Baringo manages 304. [Image: Screenshot]

    Karungo Calls for Tougher Rules on Impeachment for Governors

    Senator Karungo’s proposal centers on closing loopholes that allow governors to misuse public funds. He highlighted that the Constitution and financial regulations strictly prohibit counties from operating commercial bank accounts without Treasury approval. However, the law is often ignored.

    “Should this be an impeachable offense? Regulation 82(1)(b) of the Public Finance Management (County Governments) Regulations prohibits counties from operating commercial bank accounts. Yet, almost all counties have gone rogue,” Karungo said.

    He singled out Kiambu and Baringo counties as the worst offenders, revealing that Kiambu alone operates 276 commercial accounts, while Baringo manages 304. These numbers, according to Karungo, show just how widespread the breach is.

    The Senate Committee has taken steps to push counties into compliance. The Controller of Budget (CoB) and the Auditor General have been directed to issue a circular demanding full disclosure of all commercial bank accounts under county control.

    “The Committee has now directed the CoB and the Auditor General to issue a circular to all counties, compelling them to disclose all commercial bank accounts under their control,” Karungo emphasized.

    The senator’s plan to make unauthorized bank accounts a new ground for impeachment aims to put governors on notice. He believes that without firm penalties, counties will continue operating outside the law.

    Debate Heats Up as Governors Defend Their Actions

    Karungo’s proposal has drawn criticism from some county leaders. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Finance, Planning, and Economic Affairs Committee, defended the use of commercial bank accounts in certain cases.

    “Represented the council of governors at a Senate forum deliberating the role of commercial bank accounts by counties. Often misreported, the law allows counties to operate such accounts—for health facilities under the FIF Act, revenue collection, imprest, and donor-funded projects,” Barasa explained.

    This defense shows a gap between lawmakers and county officials regarding the interpretation of financial laws. While Barasa claims legal backing for some accounts, Karungo argues that the widespread misuse of these accounts has fueled corruption and mismanagement.

    Karungo’s direct attack on Governor Kimani Wamatangi highlights the growing tensions in Kiambu. Wamatangi faces allegations of embezzling billions through unauthorized transactions, putting him squarely in the senator’s crosshairs.

    The History of Impeachment for Governors in Kenya

    Kenya’s Constitution outlines four main grounds for impeaching a governor:

    1. Gross violation of the Constitution.

    2. Commission of a crime under national or international law.

    3. Abuse of office or gross misconduct.

    4. Physical or mental incapacity to perform official duties.

    Senator Karungo’s proposal, if passed, would introduce a fifth ground—operating unauthorized commercial bank accounts. This move could redefine accountability in county leadership.

    Since the 2010 Constitution came into effect, 11 governors have faced impeachment motions. However, only three governors have been successfully impeached: Mike Sonko of Nairobi, Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu, and Kawira Mwangaza of Meru. These cases underline the challenge of pushing through impeachment despite evidence of wrongdoing.

    Karungo’s proposal may make it easier to hold governors accountable, but it also raises questions about the balance between oversight and political witch-hunts. Critics argue that without clear guidelines, new impeachment grounds could be abused for political gain.

    What Lies Ahead

    The Senate Committee’s directive for counties to disclose their bank accounts is only the first step. If Karungo’s plan gains traction, Kenya could see a significant shakeup in county governance.

    Governors will have to tighten their financial practices or face the real threat of impeachment. For now, all eyes are on Kiambu and the next moves of Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

    As Karungo’s proposal picks up momentum, it sends a strong message—no governor is above the law, and financial accountability is non-negotiable.

    The coming months will reveal whether the push for new impeachment grounds gains enough support to become law, setting a new standard for county leadership across Kenya.

  • Postal Corporation Petitions EACC to Probe Kiambu Governor and Chief Officer Over Land Dispute Amid Extortion Claims

    Postal Corporation Petitions EACC to Probe Kiambu Governor and Chief Officer Over Land Dispute Amid Extortion Claims

    The Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) has petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Chief Officer Njenga for alleged abuse of office in a contentious property dispute over a prime plot in Kiambu town.

    The move comes as Wamatangi faces separate accusations of attempting to extort KES 4.3 billion (USD 33 million) in land from Tatu City investors, amplifying concerns over governance and integrity in Kiambu County.

    The governor has since refuted the claims.

    The PCK dispute centers on a one-and-a-half-acre parcel hosting the Kiambu Post Office, claimed by both the corporation and the county government.

    PCK asserts legal ownership, backed by title documents and a recent joint boundary survey with county officials, while Wamatangi insists the land belongs to the county, leased to PCK for 99 years with about 30 years remaining.

    He claims traders were allocated space in 2018 when PCK was not using it—a narrative PCK rejects, citing its non-devolved status and outright ownership.

    The corporation accuses Wamatangi and Njenga, likely a key figure in county land management, of leveraging their positions to facilitate encroachment, prompting the EACC probe.

    In a public notice dated March 18, 2025, Postmaster General John Tunoi decried widespread encroachment on PCK properties nationwide, spotlighting Kiambu as a critical case.

    “The management of Postal Corporation of Kenya has noted with great concern the illegal encroachment of PCK properties by private developers and trespassers,” Tunoi stated, noting reports to the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and EACC.

    The dispute escalated after traders’ structures on the land were demolished, with Wamatangi defending county plans to build kiosks and alleging a compensation deal—denied by PCK—for the supposed lease term.

    PCK’s efforts to secure the property have been thwarted by police inaction.

    On March 17, Tunoi sought Wamatangi’s cooperation post-survey, planning to fence the land the next day, but police support requested from the Kiambu sub-county commander never materialized.

    Earlier appeals to Inspector General Douglas Kanja and a trespass case (OB Number 51/17/03/2025) filed by PCK’s Mr. Njoroge were similarly stalled, with sources hinting at political interference.

    A 2018 court order restraining Kiambu County from interfering with PCK land in Thika remains unenforced, further fueling the corporation’s push for EACC intervention.

    Tatu City alleged extortion

    Concurrently, Wamatangi’s involvement in land-related fraud allegations has a long history, which was further exacerbated by the explosive July 2024 allegations from Tatu City, a Special Economic Zone developed by Rendeavour.

    The investor accused the governor and his advisor of attempting to extort over 40 acres of land, valued at KES 4.3 billion, by delaying approval of Tatu City’s new Master Plan for over 18 months.

    Tatu City, a significant foreign investor in Kenya, condemned Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi and his advisor for attempting to extort KES 4.3 billion (USD 33 million) in land.

    Preston Mendenhall, Rendeavour’s Chief Operating Officer, condemned Wamatangi at a Nairobi press conference, alleging the governor demanded free land—including for his residence—in exchange for approval.

    “It’s time to blow the whistle on Governor Wamatangi’s attempted extortion,” Mendenhall said, estimating the delay cost KES 16 billion in investment and 4,500 jobs.

    Tatu City presented a letter dated April 16, 2024, from County Executive Committee Member Salome Wainaina, demanding the “surrender” of land despite no legal basis under Kenyan law, which requires compensation for compulsory acquisition.

    The Master Plan, setting aside 103 acres for public use, followed a rigorous approval process, yet Wamatangi and Wainaina allegedly blocked it despite compliance.

    Tatu City, hosting 20,000 jobs and KES 385 billion in investments, urged the governor to cease interference.

    The dual controversies paint a troubling picture of Wamatangi’s administration, with PCK and Tatu City accusing him of exploiting his office for personal or county gain.

    In the latest scandal, neither Wamatangi nor Njenga has responded publicly to the EACC petition.

    The investigations could have far-reaching implications for Kiambu’s leadership and Kenya’s investment climate, spotlighting tensions between national entities, county governance, and private stakeholders.

    For now, the EACC holds the key to unraveling these high-stakes allegations.

  • Kiambu Politics: Kimani Ichung’wa On The Spot Over Skewed Allocation Of Development Funds

    Kiambu Politics: Kimani Ichung’wa On The Spot Over Skewed Allocation Of Development Funds

    Even as deputy president Rigathi Gachagua tries to unite Kiambu county leaders, their differences are growing daily over skewed allocation of development funds.

    And on the spotlight is Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa who stands accused of using his position as national assembly majority leader to favour his constituency in allocation of national government’s development kitty.

    Ichung’wa is also being accused by Governor Kimani Wamatangi of using his position and closeness to William Ruto to fight other leaders.

    The Kikuyu MP is said to harbour gubernatorial ambitions in the 2027 general election.

    Last week, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba raised the issue of skewed national government development agenda when she challenged Ichung’wa to explain why his constituency got the lion’s share of the money allocated for roads.

    The combative MP wondered whether the resource allocation formula was fair given that her constituency, which has over 104,000 registered voters got less than Ichungwa’s Kikuyu which has 98,000 voters for constructing and maintenance of roads.

    The MP referred to Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) 2023 tender notice where Kikuyu got Sh1,456,000,000 which is about 94.4pc out of the Kiambu county’s share of Sh1,541,890,000 from the national kitty.

    She said the other 11 constituencies are to share 5.6pc of the funds.

    Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba
    Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba

    The Githunguri lawmaker stated that KeRRA allocated Kikuyu 63pc of the total amount, which translates to Sh220 million out of the total Sh350 million allocated to all Kiambu’s 12 constituencies.

    “Whereas I appreciate Kikuyu getting some development, we should be fair in the sharing. If we are rewarding number of votes, I think Githunguri had more loyalty voters than Kikuyu by over 6,000 whom Ruto should reward.

    “No wonder some politicians have consistently frustrated our push for one man, one shilling policy so as to use their privileges over others,” the MP who referred to herself as Nyakang’a wa Githunguri said.

    Last weekend, Gachagua was in Kiambu where he asked political leaders to concentrate on service delivery and desist from spreading propaganda and idle talk.

    The deputy president also called on politicians from Kiambu county, to tone down on high octane politics and leadership wrangles and focus on working for their people.

    Speaking at ACK St Mark’s New Kamiti Parish, in Kiambu Town constituency, Gachagua said leaders should focus on social and economic development instead of engaging in endless politicking.

    “The president and I, are focused on the job. The other leaders should focus on their jobs and service delivery too. The country needs us and citizens have great expectations. Let all leaders focus on service delivery, that is what Kenyans expect from us,” he said.

    “Some of us have no time for petty politics, we are busy people with a lot of work to do. We have no time to listen to nonsense, theatrics and drama. We want to focus on the job that we were given by Kenyans,” he added.

    Gachagua spoke amid heightened political talk and activities across the political divide over the 2027 elections and declaration of political ambitions.

    On Kiambu politics, the deputy president asked leaders to unite and work together, adding that he will soon convene a meeting to address their differences.

    “It pains me a lot to see leaders tearing each other apart. I appeal to the leaders to work together for the development of the county. Kiambu is important to Ruto and I, as it gave us a lot of votes in 2022. I will convene a meeting to find a lasting solution on any squabbles. Please tone down on the high-octane politics,” he stated.

    The deputy president spoke after a section of the county leaders engaged in an exchange of words at the event over the leadership of the devolved unit and gubernatorial aspirations.

    The fundraiser, overseen by Humphrey Waweru, sought to raise Sh20 million for the completion of the church’s construction.

    During the service, Gachagua commended the church for its positive influence on society.

    Gachagua was accompanied by Kiambu governor Ichung’wa, Kimani Wamatangi, Juja MP George Koimburi, Kabete MP Githua Wamacukuru and Kiambu senator Karungo Thangwa, among other leaders.

    Wamatangi stressed the need for integrated unity for the sake of development and rallied all leaders to support Gachagua’s unity efforts.

    “We recognise Gachagua as our leader, we don’t have any other deputy president. Mt Kenya region will collaborate harmoniously to support Gachagua’s initiatives,” Wamatangi affirmed.

    Ichung’wa pledged support for Gachagua and the president in implementing UDA’s manifesto.

    He also urged Wamatangi to be accountable for public resources, citing concerns raised by the Auditor General regarding accountability in Kiambu.

    Senator Thangwa echoed Ichungwa’s sentiments and urged MCAs to exercise their oversight roles and fulfill their mandates.

    He expressed support for Gachagua as a unifying force particularly in Kiambu county and the whole of Mt Kenya region.

    Koimburi expressed strong support for Gachagua’s development initiatives in the Mt Kenya region, highlighting the region’s appreciation for the deputy president’s efforts.

    Embakasi North MP James Gakuya warned against Mt Kenya MPs being manipulated to oppose the deputy president.

    Gakuya specifically addressed Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo’s actions during Gachagua’s visit to his constituency, stressing the need to respect Gachagua’s position.

    Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a echoed the sentiments and expressed unwavering support for Gachagua as the region’s kingpin.

    Later the DP visited Stephen Ndung’u, a retired councilor in Tiekunu, Ndeiya Limuru constituency who mentored him.

  • It’s The End Of The Road For Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu

    It’s The End Of The Road For Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu

    Things are escalating from bad to worse for Kiambu Governor
    Ferdinand Waititu, who, if everything goes as it is now, might be forced out of office.

    Waititu, who’s whereabouts is currently unknown, has vanished together with his family after DPP Haji ordered for their immediate arrest and arraigned in court on several corruption and fraud charges.

    Haji’s orders followed Thursday’s ruling by Justice Mumbi Ngugi who ruled that Governors charged with corruption should stay away from office and their roles and duties be discharged by their deputies until their innocence is proven.

    The war on corruption seem to have been taken seriously and the Judiciary, which had been complaining of case interference from Executive and other arms of government, given chance to prove their prowess and independence to clean the country’s biggest mess.

    DPP Haji on Friday stated that Waititu and other corrupt county officials will face charges of irregular award of tenders worth Sh588 million and embezzlement of public funds.

    Amongst those of DPP’s radar with their arrest warrant out already include Governor Waititu’s wife Susan Wangari Ndung’u, director Bienvenue Delta Hotel, Lucas Wahinya the Chief Officer roads of Kiambu County and evaluation committee members Zakary Mbugua, Joyce Musyoka, Simon Kang’ethe, Anselm Wanjiku and Samuel Mugo.

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating allegations of irregular procurement of a tender for the upgrading of various gravel roads to bituminous surface in the county,

    According to EACC investigations, Waititu and his accomplices awarded M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd irregular tenders worth Sh588 million 2017/2018 financial year.

    EACC alleges that the directors of M/s Testimony Enterprises, who have already pocketed 147.3million, are close associates of the Governor Waititu and his family.

    “I find that the award of the contract for Ksh.588,198,328.20 in respect to tender No.CGK/RTPW&U/142/2017-2018- for the upgrading of various gravel roads to Bitumen surface in Thika, Limuru, Gatundu North, Juja and Ruiru sub-counties was skewed in favour of M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd, and the county government officials were culpable,” reads part of DPP’s statement.

    “The directors of M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd were close associates of Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu Babayao, the Governor of Kiambu County. The total amount of Ksh.147,274,055.39 have so far been irregularly paid to Testimony Enterprises Ltd in relation to the subject tender,” DPP adds.

    DPP Haji stated that he has independently reviewed the evidence in the inquiry file and the report and he’s satisfied that there is ‘more than sufficient evidence’ to sustain charges against Waititu and the other named suspects.

    DPP and EACC are set to charge Waititu, his family and co-accused with conflict of interest, abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with the law on procurement, engaging in fraudulent practices, fraudulent acquisition of property, and money laundering.

    DPP’s arrest orders comes at a time when Mr Waititu had filed an application at the high court seeking to bar his arrest and possible prosecution.

    Waititu is also on EACC’s radar over alleged questionable expenditure for, among other things, the controversial Kaa Sober programme that was valued at 2million daily contrary to the Public Finance Management Act.

    Waititu, just as any other corrupt leader, apparently majority of them are allied to Tangatanga movement, tenure is inevitably hitting the dead end.

    The Judiciary wants to prove a point and unluckily, Tangatanga folks are on the frying pan after allegedly frying wananchi.

    Chief Justice Maraga has also added his weight and Waititu just as his tangatanga corrupt folks are, without doubt, going to feel his wrath.

    Early July, Chief Justice Maraga suspended Kiambu Principal Magistrate Bryan Khaemba, who had given Governor Ferdinand Waititu an anticipatory bail while on his sick leave.

    According to a suspension letter from Chief Justice David Maraga, Khaemba won’t be paid or report at his place of work because his orders breached Rules 3 and 12 of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct and Ethics.

    Chief Justice David Maraga stated In the letter dated June 13 that Khaemba’s actions amount to gross misconduct contrary to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual.

    “He sneaked to the court and made the ruling on Waititu’s matter MISC. CR APP. No 222 of 2019 yet it had not been allocated or listed to him.” CJ Maraga stated.

    “In view of the above, you (Khaemba) are hereby required to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for the offence,” reads part of CJ Maraga’s letter.

    I don’t know how Tangatanga members chose themselves but the entire team from their leader DP Ruto, to the lowest ranks such as personal guards, drivers and even social media influencers are directly or indirectly involved in a fraud, corrupt, civil and legal charges or battle.

    Just the day, Another Tangatanga allied member- former CS Henry Rotich was forced out of the President Uhuru’s administration because of a multi-billion dams fraud.

    Early this year, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, an ardent supporter of the DP, alleged that the Government was planning to use the Police and KRA to frustrate those allied to Team Tangatanga. I wonder why and what is he doing that’s against the law?

    Kandara MP Alice Wahome told media that the State has revived her 2012 civil suit and the DCI ‘given’ a go ahead to prosecute her in a matter she stated it has nothing to do with nor under jurisdiction of theDCI.

    I don’t know why team Tangatanga believes that all leaders supporting the DP are being targeted by the State, funny enough, in which they are part and parcel of.

    According to them the system has changed tack and is targeting the Dr Ruto’s supporters in what they foolishly believe it’s plans to depict Ruto as a failed and corrupt politician. Well isn’t he?

    And just on more thing, supporting William Ruto’s political ambition is not, according to the laws governing our country, illegal and does not necessarily mean you’re corrupt.

    So for those saying they’re being attacked rather targeted by State entities should tell us what else are they doing apart from just ‘supporting’ the Hustler who lives in and almost owns the entire Nairobi.

    As for Babayao, how he gets out of this murk is only a matter of watch and see and if DPP’s recent assertions is anything to go by, he’s stuck and fixed. Who’s the Deputy Governor for Kiambu? That’s the man now to watch.

  • Kiambu County Budget Line Puzzle

    Kiambu County Budget Line Puzzle

    Latest financial report from Auditor General about Kiambu county government has baffled the Senate.

    Reading the report to Kiambu Governor, Senator Moses Kajwang’ clarified the report one by one during the senate session

    (Courtesy of K24TV)

    The Budget lines for Kiambu County Govt as per the report given to the Senate By  Auditor General.

    TheCo-ordination of State House functions Ksh 973M

    Administration of Statutory benefits for the retired Presidents Ksh180M

    State corporations advisory service Ksh591M

    The report further suggests that Kiambu County government had a budget line for Kenya~South Sudan peace advisory services valued at Ksh 58M.

    The Kiambu county government president said the report was new to him and believes it’s a misuse of the National government.

    (Courtesy of K24TV)

    With all these figures being unearthed by Auditor General now, it’s about time we get a full budget lines from every county.

    There’s are a lot of things our county governments are spending our taxes on in the shadow.

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    Indebtedness  has gradually developed in our counties, what was supposed to be devolution development centers.

    Can the public also be enlightened on how they can hold to account the non productive and corrupt officials when such reports see the light of the day.

    It’s about time for Kenyans to fight corruption and its agents before it turns us a century back with a collapsed economy.