Protests as Wamatangi arrested over alleged graft in Sh230 million contract
The governor was arrested at his residence by EACC sleuths after they were issued a search warrant for his office and residence
Kiambu residents have staged protests at Integrity Centre where Governor Kimani Wamatangi is being grilled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) sleuths over allegations of conflict of interest, procurement irregularities and abuse of office against the senior officials in the county.
“We are requesting the release of Wamatangi because we all know he is working. If he is not released, we shall bring Kiambu to a standstill,” one of them shouted.
Wamatangi and the other top officials are accused of irregularly awarding of a contract for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, training, commissioning, and support services of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System.
The governor was arrested today at his residence by the EACC sleuths after they were issued a search warrant for his office and residence.
He was later transferred to Integrity Centre where he is currently recording a statement.
The contract, valued at Ksh 230 million, was awarded to M/S Filtronic International Limited during the 2022/2023 financial year.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the governor together with other nine officials of the devolved unit allegedly engaged in trading with the County and received payments totaling Ksh 1.5 billion through irregular procurement processes and fictitious supplies, in violation of public finance management and procurement laws.
The CEO indicated that during the raid, the sleuths recovered Ksh 12 million and US$13,000 in cash which shall be used as proceeds of corruption in the case.
He added that the investigations are still on and appropriate actions shall be taken on those found culpable.
“Today’s operation has resulted in the recovery of critical evidentiary material to support ongoing investigations. This includes the seizure of Sh12 million and USD 13,000 in cash from the residence of Governor Kimani Wamatangi which is suspected to be proceeds of corruption,” he stated.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the findings will guide the appropriate course of action which may include the prosecution of any individuals found culpable, the forfeiture of unexplained assets, and the confiscation of proceeds linked to corruption,” he added.
Mohamud said the other persons of interest are County Secretary Peter Njoroge Ndegwa, Finance County Executive Committee (CEC) Member Nancy Njeri Kirumba, Lands and Housing CEC Member Salome Muthoni Wainaina, Chief Officer Finance William Kinyanjui Mwaniki, Supply Chain Director Phylis Wanjiru Muiruri, Revenue Director Henry Mburu Waweru, Clerical Officer Paul Kibe Wangari and M/S Filtronic International Limited Director Bernard Kabaiku Theuri.
