Kenya, April 15 -- Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi was arrested on Tuesday morning following coordinated raids by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on his residences and county offices.
The operation, which targeted allegations of embezzlement and corruption, also led to the arrest of nine senior county officials.
EACC detectives seized documents and electronic devices during the dawn raids, which extended to Wamatangi's homes in Thindigua and Nairobi, as well as the Kiambu County headquarters.
The commission is investigating suspected mismanagement of public funds and conflicts of interest in procurement processes, though no specific details on the scope of the alleged graft have been disclosed.
Following the arrests, a crowd of residents gathered outside Wamatangi's Thindigua residence, protesting the governor's detention.
Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding transparency and expressed mixed sentiments, with some questioning the motives behind the EACC's actions, while others called for accountability.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrests, stating, "This is part of a comprehensive investigation into possible misappropriation of county resources." He declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
The arrests come amid growing scrutiny of Wamatangi's administration, with critics citing procurement irregularities and questionable expenditure.
The governor, who succeeded Ferdinand Waititu-currently imprisoned for graft-has faced accusations of financial mismanagement, which he has consistently denied.
EACC Chief Executive Abdi Mohamud is expected to issue a detailed statement later today. Meanwhile, the protests outside Wamatangi's home continue, with police maintaining a presence to manage the situation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.