High Court Freezes Kiambu Governor Wamatangi’s Accounts as Kenya Railways Demolishes Encroached Property

The High Court has frozen the bank accounts of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, his wife, children, and ten other individuals over a KSh813 million corruption case. The order follows an application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which is probing alleged corruption and unexplained wealth linked to the funds. The freeze will remain in effect until the court hears and determines the EACC’s application.

The court action comes amid additional challenges for Wamatangi. His business premises near Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi were demolished early Wednesday morning. Witnesses reported that police arrived around midnight, using teargas and live rounds to disperse crowds and security personnel before the demolition began.

The property is situated on Kenya Railways-owned land. The state corporation revealed that it plans to construct a new railway station next to Nyayo National Stadium and a spur line from Nairobi Central Station through Nyayo, Kibera, and on to Talanta Sports City Stadium. Officials say the project aims to ease movement during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Kenya Railways stated that all land encroachers received prior notices to vacate the corridor, allowing construction to proceed. “Kenya Railways is in the process of evicting all encroachers as we repossess land identified for the above-mentioned development,” the statement read.

The freeze and demolition underscore the intersecting pressures of urban development, infrastructure expansion, and accountability for public funds. Wamatangi now faces scrutiny from both legal authorities and urban planners. While the railway expansion promises improved transport during major events, affected property owners face the consequences of encroachment and unresolved legal matters.

Authorities maintain that evictions and demolitions are necessary to protect public infrastructure and ensure timely project completion. They have urged affected parties to comply with notices to avoid forced removals and further legal complications. The incidents highlight the tension between private enterprise and public development in Nairobi’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.