A section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Kiambu allied to Governor Kimani Wamatangi have raised alarm over what they describe as a well-orchestrated scheme of intimidation aimed at paving the way for the governor’s removal from office.
The MCAs allege that as the County Assembly prepares to resume its sittings next week, there are plans to alter the House leadership—including the possible removal of the Speaker—in order to ensure that a looming impeachment motion against Governor Wamatangi sails through.
Speaking to the press, the MCAs claimed that threats, harassment and acts of intimidation have been directed at leaders perceived to be loyal to the governor. They cited several incidents, including reports of unknown individuals allegedly firing shots into the air near the governor’s residence and claims that some leaders have been trailed by unidentified persons.
The legislators have now issued a seven-day ultimatum to security agencies, demanding thorough investigations and public disclosure of findings related to the reported incidents.
The concerns come in the wake of a formal complaint filed by Kiambu County Assembly Speaker, Charles Thiong’o, at the Kiambu Police Station. The Speaker reported that unknown individuals visited his residence on Wednesday, January 21, at around 9.00 a.m., allegedly looking for him.
According to Thiong’o, he was away at the University of Nairobi sitting for examinations when his spouse alerted him that a group of people had arrived at the gate of their home, appearing jittery and asking for the Speaker. He said the individuals were traveling in a black Ford Ranger and were led by a person known to him as a member of the County Assembly.
“I have no personal relationship with this individual beyond our official roles in the assembly,” Thiong’o said. “I conduct my business openly at the County Assembly and at my law firm. There was absolutely no reason for anyone to seek me at my home where I live with my family.”
The Speaker expressed deep concern over the safety of his family, particularly his young children, saying he would not tolerate any intrusion into his private residence.
“If people are looking for me, let them find me in public spaces or at my place of work. I can take care of myself. But my family must be left out of this,” he said.
Thiong’o confirmed that he had engaged the Kiambu County Commander and officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who assured him of thorough, professional and conclusive investigations. He further demanded that the MCA allegedly involved be summoned to explain his actions.
Deputy Speaker John Njue said the assembly would not be cowed by intimidation, adding that the DCI had assured MCAs of speedy investigations. He called on security agencies to guarantee the safety of the Speaker and his family.
“This is not the time to play politics with fear,” Njue said. “It is time for leaders to focus on delivering development to the people of Kiambu as we approach the next election cycle.”
Kiuu Ward MCA Zacharia Macharia described the incident at the Speaker’s home as a deliberate attempt to instill fear within the assembly. He claimed the intimidation was linked to efforts to unseat Governor Wamatangi, noting that a section of MCAs had firmly defended the governor.
“There is a clear intention to impeach the governor, and that is why the Speaker is being targeted,” Macharia said. He added that more than 50 MCAs support Governor Wamatangi, insisting that any impeachment motion would fail if tabled on the floor of the House.
Nominated MCA Tabitha Wangui also alleged sustained intimidation of assembly members to force them to withdraw support for the governor. She recounted a personal ordeal in which she was falsely accused of attacking President William Ruto—claims that led to her being summoned by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party disciplinary organs.
“The allegations were lies meant to have me sacked and to scare other nominated MCAs into signing for the removal of the governor,” Wangui said. She noted that the party eventually dismissed the claims after establishing the truth.
Wangui called for enhanced security for the Speaker and his family, saying his wife was still shaken and feared for her life and that of her children.
Lawyer Kariuki Njiri, representing Speaker Thiong’o, confirmed that a formal report had been lodged with the County Commander and that the DCI had taken over the matter.
“The person in question is known and is a member of the County Assembly,” Njiri said. “He had no legitimate reason to seek the Speaker at his residence when there are official workplaces where the Speaker can be accessed.”
As investigations continue, the MCAs have urged security agencies to act swiftly and impartially, warning that failure to address the reported intimidation could undermine the independence of the assembly and the democratic process in Kiambu County.
