Kiambu MCAs Allege Intimidation as Impeachment Plot Against Governor Wamatangi Looms

By : Mweru Mbugua 

A section of Kiambu Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Governor Kimani Wamatangi claim they are facing intimidation and fear tactics ahead of the reopening of the County Assembly next week

The MCAs allege that a coordinated scheme is underway to restructure the House leadership, including the removal of Speaker Charles Thiongo, as a precursor to an anticipated impeachment motion against the Governor

Tensions escalated after Speaker Thiongo recorded a formal complaint at the Kiambu Police Station. Accompanied by several MCAs and his lawyer, Kariuki Njiri, the Speaker reported that unknown individuals visited his private residence on January 21 while he was away sitting examinations at the University of Nairobi

According to the Speaker, his spouse and a security guard informed him that people driving a black Ford Ranger had been asking for him at his home, appearing uneasy and uncertain

“I do not conduct official business from my residence. My law firm and the assembly offices are well known,” Thiongo said. “Why would anyone invade my private space where I live with my young children?”

The Speaker claimed that a fellow MCA is behind the alleged intimidation, expressing concern for his family’s safety and calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to summon the individual to explain their actions

Deputy Speaker John Njue and Kiuu Ward MCA Zacharia Macharia described the incident as a deliberate attempt to instil fear among MCAs. Macharia linked the alleged intimidation directly to a plot to impeach Governor Wamatangi

“There is a clear intention to remove the Governor, and that is why the Speaker is being targeted,” Macharia said. “However, more than 50 MCAs support the Governor. Any impeachment motion will not succeed”

The pro-Wamatangi faction has issued a seven-day ultimatum to security agencies to investigate the Speaker’s complaint, as well as reports of unknown individuals allegedly firing gunshots near the Governor’s residence

Nominated MCA Tabitha Wangui also claimed she had been targeted through false allegations meant to intimidate her into withdrawing support for the Governor. She revealed that she was summoned for disciplinary action by the UDA party over claims that she had attacked President William Ruto—claims she says were later dismissed

“These allegations were meant to trap me and scare other nominated MCAs into signing for the Governor’s removal,” Wangui said

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As the Assembly prepares to resume sittings, political temperatures in Kiambu County remain high. Lawyer Kariuki Njiri confirmed that both the County Commander and the DCIO have taken up the matter, assuring that investigations will be thorough and conclusive

Deputy Speaker Njue urged MCAs to focus on development rather than political manoeuvres

“This is not the time for early politics,” he said. “Our priority should be service delivery for the people of Kiambu ahead of next year’s elections”

With rival factions holding firm positions, the coming week is expected to test both Governor Wamatangi’s political survival and the independence of the Kiambu County Assembly leadership