"Kasongo must go": Wamatangi's supporters chant as EACC arrests governor

Demonstrations broke out outside the residence of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi following his early morning arrest by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

In videos circulating online, a group of men and women can be heard chanting, “Kasongo must go! Tuko pamoja na wewe!” (We are with you). Another voice adds, “We are together with our leader!”

The Governor, ferried in a black Land Cruiser and escorted by Subaru cars, tried to address the group from his passenger window but was quickly cut short, with the convoy speeding off soon after. Following the cars closely was a police truck and a Land Cruiser, both packed with anti-riot police officers. 

The group was then heard pledging its support, vowing to follow the vehicles to their destination.

Wamatangi’s arrest comes amid growing allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office within his administration.

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrest but declined to give further details, stating only that it is part of "a comprehensive investigation into possible misappropriation of county resources."

The operation extended to the governor’s private residences in Thindigua and Nairobi, where detectives seized documents and electronic devices that are now undergoing forensic analysis.

Sources indicate the investigation is focused on alleged procurement fraud, shady deals, and conflicts of interest in the awarding of county tenders.

This arrest is the latest in EACC’s wider crackdown on graft in county governments.

Just recently, detectives conducted major raids on the homes and offices of ten individuals, including senior officials from the Turkana County Government, over a suspected procurement fraud scheme worth more than Ksh 600 million.

During the operation, EACC officers recovered Ksh 6.5 million in cash hidden inside a vehicle belonging to a County Executive Committee Member (CECM).

According to the EACC, the alleged embezzlement was carried out through abuse of office and conflict of interest by senior county officials.

“The operation has yielded valuable evidentiary material to support the ongoing investigations, including Ksh 6.5 million in cash recovered from a motor vehicle. The money is suspected to be proceeds of corruption,” said EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud in a statement.