High Court Freezes Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s Bank Accounts in Sh813M EACC Case
The High Court has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, his immediate family members, and several associates, in connection with an Sh813 million civil recovery case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The orders were issued on Thursday, January 15, by Justice Benjamin Mwikya, dealing a fresh legal blow to the county boss amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and conflict of interest. The court directed that the affected accounts remain inaccessible until further directions are issued, with the matter scheduled for mention on February 4, 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Mwikya stated that the preservation orders were necessary to safeguard the funds, which the EACC alleges are proceeds of corruption, from possible dissipation before the court determines the substantive issues in the case.
“In my mind, the preservation orders were not in force when this matter appeared before the trial judge. Had they been in place, the court would have addressed the merits of the prayers in the application dated November 4, 2025,” Justice Mwikya said.
The judge added that the circumstances surrounding the case had since changed, justifying the issuance of interim orders in the interest of justice.
“I therefore agree with the plaintiff’s counsel that the circumstances have changed, and in the interest of justice, I grant the prayers in the plaintiff’s application until February 4, 2026, when this matter will be placed before the court,” he ruled.
According to court documents, the freezing orders apply to Governor Wamatangi, his wife, children, and at least ten other individuals named in the suit. The EACC argued that without preservation orders, there was a real risk that the funds under investigation could be withdrawn, transferred, or otherwise concealed, undermining the recovery process.
The Sh813 million civil recovery case stems from allegations that Wamatangi unlawfully awarded public tenders to companies allegedly linked to him and his family members during the 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 financial years. At the time, Wamatangi was serving as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation.
The anti-graft agency claims the transactions amounted to conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, and acquisition of proceeds of crime. EACC has previously recommended that the governor be arraigned alongside his wife, sister, and other associates to face criminal charges related to the alleged irregular dealings.
The court proceedings come at a turbulent time for the Kiambu governor. Just a day earlier, several businesses linked to Wamatangi were demolished in the Nyayo Stadium area as part of an ongoing government infrastructure project. Bulldozers moved in under heavy police presence, flattening car yards, restaurants, and other commercial premises.
Speaking after visiting the demolition site, Wamatangi dismissed the developments as politically motivated, alleging that the actions were aimed at intimidating him and derailing his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.
“I began here as a small boy selling tea and mandazis and rose to establish the business that was here. What has happened is purely political and intended to silence me and intimidate me,” Wamatangi said.
While the governor has denied wrongdoing in both the corruption allegations and the demolition exercise, the High Court’s decision marks a significant escalation in the legal scrutiny surrounding his leadership. The outcome of the February 4 mention is expected to determine whether the preservation orders will be extended or lifted as the case progresses.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn national attention, reigniting debate over accountability, asset recovery, and the treatment of elected leaders facing corruption allegations.
High Court Freezes Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s Bank Accounts in Sh813M EACC Case
