Governor Wamatangi's arrest is not a political witch-hunt, activists say

A group of activists has dismissed claims by Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi that his arrest by the anti-graft watchdog is a political witch-hunt.

Addressing the press outside the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters in Nairobi, the youth activists under the Mbunge Mashinani umbrella said the arrest stemmed from an "adverse audit report" against the devolved unit.

They said the audit queries had caught their attention, prompting them to write to authorities requesting an investigation and answers regarding the graft allegations highlighted in the 2022/2023 Auditor General’s report.

"After collecting views from Kiambu residents, we agreed to write to the County Assembly, reminding them of their mandate to keep the county executive in check and to flag corruption scandals, but they failed to respond," said Michael Mburu, Mbunge Mashinani Executive Director.

"We then wrote to the EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), asking for investigations based on the report, and this is what culminated in Tuesday’s arrest," he added.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Why EACC is after Wamatangi
• 
  EACC recovers Sh12m and USD 13,000 in cash from Wamatangi's home

This came just hours after Governor Wamatangi and eight other county officials spent the better part of Tuesday at Integrity Centre, where they were grilled in connection with the alleged embezzlement of county resources.

The session was marked by drama as a group of his supporters flocked outside the anti-corruption watchdog’s offices, calling for his release and claiming that Wamatangi’s arrest was politically motivated.

After more than five hours with the anti-graft officers, the Governor emerged from the EACC building and claimed political persecution, insisting that an unnamed individual was behind his troubles.

"The people who elected us are not the police or the EACC. Recently, a senior government official called me and swore that by the time I finish my term, they will have ruined my name," he alleged.

Wamatangi’s arrest came shortly after the Commission raided his home in Kibiku village, Kabete, and recovered Sh12 million and USD 13,000 believed to be proceeds of corruption.

"Upon conclusion of investigations, the findings will guide the appropriate course of action, which may include prosecution of any individuals found culpable," said EACC boss Abdi Mohamud.

The activists urged the Commission to expedite investigations against the Governor and initiate charges if any irregularities in his administration are confirmed.

"We expect that the EACC will complete investigations and bring charges against the Governor so that we can know the truth about these corruption reports in the county," said Mburu.

The youths had paid a courtesy call to Integrity Centre to petition the Commission to enjoin them as an interested party should a corruption case be initiated, arguing that this would give Kiambu residents a voice.

"It is a matter of public interest, and we are holding brief for the citizens of Kiambu," he said.