Kiambu, Kenya – A section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Governor Kimani Wamatangi say they are being subjected to a campaign of fear and intimidation ahead of the assembly’s reopening next week.
The legislators allege a coordinated plot to overhaul House leadership, including the removal of Speaker Charles Thiongo, as part of a wider scheme to pave the way for a looming impeachment motion against the Governor.
Speaker Reports Incident to Police
The controversy escalated after Speaker Thiongo filed a formal report at the Kiambu Police Station. Accompanied by several MCAs and his lawyer, Kariuki Njiri, Thiongo claimed that on January 21, unknown individuals visited his private residence while he was away sitting for examinations at the University of Nairobi.
“I was informed by my spouse and the guard that people in a black Ford Ranger were looking for me at my home. They looked jittery and unsure,” Thiongo said. “I don’t handle official business at home; my law firm and the assembly offices are well known. Why invade my personal space where I live with my small children?”
The Speaker alleged that a known MCA is behind the plot and urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to summon the colleague to explain his motives.
Pro-Wamatangi MCAs Push Back
Deputy Speaker John Njue and Kiuu Ward MCA Zacharia Macharia described the incident as a calculated move to “sell fear.” Macharia linked the intimidation directly to efforts to impeach Governor Wamatangi.
“There is a clear intention to impeach the Governor, and that is why the Speaker is being targeted,” Macharia said. “However, over 50 MCAs are firmly behind the Governor. No impeachment motion will sail through this house.”
The pro-Wamatangi faction has issued a seven-day ultimatum to security agencies to investigate the Speaker’s incident and other reported cases, including “unknown persons” firing shots near the Governor’s residence.
Political Tensions Within UDA
Nominated MCA Tabitha Wangui claimed she was recently summoned for disciplinary action by the UDA party over false allegations that she had attacked President William Ruto.
“The UDA party stood with the truth and dismissed those lies,” Wangui said. “Those allegations were a trap to have me sacked and to instill fear in other nominated MCAs, forcing them to sign for the Governor’s removal. We are being targeted so we withdraw our support for Wamatangi.”
Security Agencies Step In
Lawyer Kariuki Njiri confirmed that the County Commander and the DCIO have taken up the matter, promising “thorough and conclusive investigations.”
Deputy Speaker Njue urged colleagues to shift focus from “early politics” to service delivery.
“This is not the time for power plays. We have a mandate to deliver development for the people of Kiambu before the elections next year,” he said.
Conclusion
With both factions digging in, the reopening of the Kiambu County Assembly next week is expected to be a litmus test for Governor Wamatangi’s political survival and the independence of the House leadership. The volatile atmosphere underscores the growing tension between governance and political maneuvering in one of Kenya’s most influential counties.
