The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has taken a bold step to reclaim Ksh813 million allegedly stolen through irregular road tenders involving Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and 13 others.
The commission accuses the governor of using his former Senate position to influence tender awards to five companies linked to him.
EACC claims the companies used forged documents to win contracts funded by KeNHA, KURA, and KeRRA between 2018 and 2022, resulting in massive losses to taxpayers.
EACC Moves to Recover Loot from Corrupt Wamatangi
The lawsuit, filed at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, is one of the most significant legal actions targeting a sitting county boss. EACC argues that Governor Wamatangi abused his office and acted in conflict of interest to benefit from fraudulent tenders while pretending to have no involvement in the companies that received the contracts.
According to court documents, the commission uncovered a well-coordinated plan involving falsified technical documents, fake bid papers, and forged qualifications submitted by companies secretly linked to the governor.
These companies reportedly received over Ksh726 million from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and an additional Ksh86 million from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The anti-graft body insists that these payments were not only irregular but also unlawful, amounting to proceeds of corruption. EACC says the governor went to great lengths to conceal his ownership of the companies by transferring directorships to relatives and close allies while continuing to control their bank accounts.
Investigators discovered that Wamatangi remained a signatory to the companies’ financial transactions, making him the ultimate beneficiary of the misappropriated funds. The commission maintains that the entire scheme was designed to defraud the public through deception, misuse of office, and abuse of trust.
Governor Wamatangi’s Alleged Abuse of Office
EACC’s investigation established that during his tenure as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing, Wamatangi used his influence to direct road contracts to firms tied to him.
The companies, the commission says, lacked the technical and financial capacity to undertake major infrastructure projects but managed to secure multimillion-shilling deals through falsified documents.
“Further investigations established that Hon. Wamatangi, while abusing his position of trust and acting in conflict of interest, colluded with companies linked to him to engage in fraudulent practices by submitting forged and falsified bid documents to unlawfully secure tenders,” the EACC stated.
The commission believes this conduct not only violated procurement laws but also constituted gross misconduct and unethical behavior for a public officer. It further noted that the governor’s hidden involvement and continued financial control over the firms demonstrate deliberate concealment of corruption.
Court Action and the Fight Against Graft
The EACC’s case was formally lodged before Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna, who directed that the matter be heard on November 18, 2025. The governor and his 13 co-accused are required to appear for the hearing. The case will determine whether the commission can recover the Ksh813 million, which it argues rightfully belongs to the public.
This lawsuit marks yet another major confrontation between the EACC and high-ranking county officials accused of corruption. It underscores the commission’s renewed determination to curb rampant misuse of public funds and to reclaim stolen assets from public officers who have enriched themselves through deceitful dealings.
The watchdog agency insists that the recovery of embezzled funds is not only about justice but also about restoring integrity in public service. “Investigations revealed a clear pattern of concealment and abuse of office designed to misappropriate public funds through fraudulent tenders and false declarations,” the EACC emphasized.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
News of the lawsuit has sent shockwaves across Kiambu County, with residents calling for accountability and transparency in county governance. Many see this as a test of Kenya’s anti-corruption laws and the political will to hold influential figures responsible for graft.
Critics argue that the case highlights a troubling pattern among public officials who exploit their influence to profit from public projects. Supporters of the anti-graft commission believe that this case could set a strong precedent for other counties where corruption has crippled service delivery.
Governor Wamatangi, on the other hand, is expected to mount a legal defense, insisting on his innocence. However, EACC’s evidence—including bank statements, forged bid documents, and testimony from insiders—could make the case a defining moment in Kenya’s fight against entrenched corruption.
If the court rules in favor of EACC, the recovery of Ksh813 million would not only return stolen funds to the public but also reaffirm that no leader is above the law. The outcome of this case will likely influence how future corruption cases involving senior government officials are pursued and prosecuted.
