The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) says it has recovered Sh13.7 million from Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi's home after a Tuesday morning raid.
The cash was in both Kenyan currency and dollars—Sh12 million in Kenya shilling notes and $13,000 in cash.
The discovery comes amid chaos that erupted outside EACC headquarters in Nairobi as dozens of his supporters protested while demanding the governor's release.
Governor Wamatangi's supporters protest outside EACC offices after his arrest
Governor Wamatangi was arrested Tuesday morning and taken to the EACC headquarters alongside eight senior Kiambu County officials.
They include Peter Njoroge (County Secretary), Nancy Njeri (County Executive Committee Member for Finance), Salome Muthoni (CEC for Lands), William Kinyanhui (Chief Officer, Finance), Phyllis Wanjiru (Director, Supply Chain), Henry Mburu (Director, Revenue), Paul Kibe (Clerical Officer) and businessman Bernard Kabaiku (Director, M/s Filtronic International Limited).
Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi leaves EACC offices after his release on April 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
EACC boss Abdi Mohamud said the sting operation and arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial and procurement malpractices in Kiambu County.
Key among the allegations is that county officials engaged in trading with the county and received payments totalling Sh1.5 billion.
"Today's operation has resulted in the recovery of crucial evidential material to support ongoing investigations. This includes the seizure of Sh12 million and $13,000 in cash at the residence of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, which is suspected to be proceeds of corruption," Mr Mohamud stated.
Other matters under investigation include allegations of conflict of interest, procurement irregularities and abuse of office in the awarding of a contract for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, training, commissioning, and support services for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
The contract, valued at Sh230 million, was awarded to M/s Filtronic International Limited during the 2022/2023 financial year.
The governor was released just before 5pm, after which he walked along Kenyatta Avenue while surrounded by his supporters.
Governor Wamatangi walks along Kenyatta Avenue after release
