In a significant development in Kenya’s fight against corruption, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered Sh12 million in cash during a dramatic raid on the home of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi. The operation, carried out early Tuesday morning, is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Sh1.5 billion in county funds.
The EACC confirmed the recovery through an official statement, indicating that the seized money is believed to be linked to questionable financial dealings in the Kiambu County Government. According to investigators, the funds were discovered in a secure compartment during a coordinated search of the governor’s private residence.
Multi-Agency Raid Uncovers New Leads
The raid was conducted simultaneously across multiple locations, including offices of senior county officials and known associates of the governor. Nine other county officials are under investigation in connection with the alleged embezzlement scheme, which involves inflated payments, procurement fraud, and suspected payments to ghost workers.
The EACC stated that the Sh12 million recovery marks a crucial milestone in what could be one of the biggest county-level fraud cases in recent years. "We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Investigations are at an advanced stage," an EACC official told the media on condition of anonymity.
Allegations Surrounding Kiambu County Finances
The probe into Kiambu's finances began after multiple whistleblowers raised red flags over questionable expenditures and irregular tenders. The most damning allegation involves the conversion of the county’s payroll system from digital to manual, which reportedly facilitated the siphoning of millions through fictitious salary payments.
In February, Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa revealed that over Sh390 million may have been lost in under six months due to these irregularities. The senator also expressed concern that corruption networks within the county were actively sabotaging transparency and accountability mechanisms.
Wamatangi Denies Wrongdoing
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has vehemently denied any involvement in corruption, insisting that the investigations are politically motivated. Speaking to reporters shortly after the raid, the governor stated, “I have nothing to hide. These are intimidation tactics aimed at tarnishing my name and halting the reforms we’ve initiated in Kiambu.”
Despite the denial, pressure continues to mount on the governor to step aside while investigations proceed. Civil society organizations and opposition leaders are calling for his suspension, pending the conclusion of the probe.
What Happens Next?
The EACC has announced plans to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further action. If charged, this could become one of the most high-profile county corruption cases in recent history.
For now, the people of Kiambu and the nation at large await further updates from the anti-graft agency. The Sh1.5 billion fraud investigation continues to unfold, and all eyes remain on what the next phase of this high-stakes probe will reveal.
Stay updated on this and more developing stories right here at kiambu.co.ke.
