High Court Extends Asset Freeze in Sh813 Million Corruption Case Against Kiambu Governor

The High Court has moved to keep tight control over assets linked to a major corruption case involving Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi. The court has now extended orders that block the sale or transfer of properties suspected to be bought with stolen public funds.

The decision was made on Wednesday when the case came before Justice Hedwig Okwany at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division. At the center of the matter is Sh813 million that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission says was obtained through corrupt dealings. The funds, according to the agency, were illegally acquired by the governor and other defendants.

The EACC asked the court to maintain the freeze on the disputed assets. It warned that lifting the orders could allow the suspects to dispose of property before the case is heard. The judge agreed. As a result, the restrictions will now remain in place until March 17, 2026.

Meanwhile, the court issued fresh directions to speed up the case. All parties were ordered to exchange written submissions on the injunction request. Each side was given 14 days to file and serve their arguments. This step is meant to help the court decide whether the asset freeze should continue until the main case is concluded.

At the same time, the court allowed the parties to respond to a separate request by the first defendant. That application seeks to have the entire case thrown out. The judge gave all sides the freedom to file their pleadings on that issue as well.

The case will return to court on March 17, 2026. It will be mentioned before Justice Musyoki for further instructions. The court also directed that all official orders be formally served to the parties involved.

The EACC insists the Sh813 million is not legitimate wealth. It says the money represents proceeds of corruption and should be recovered for the Kenyan public. The commission wants the court to order the forfeiture of the assets once the case is fully heard.

For now, however, the injunction keeps everything frozen. It also sends a strong signal that the court will not allow suspects to benefit from disputed wealth while corruption cases remain unresolved.