The political undercurrents in Kiambu County are intensifying, as a quiet yet consequential rivalry brews between Governor Kimani Wamatangi and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah — a battle already shaping the countdown to the 2027 gubernatorial race.
Though both camps avoid open confrontation, political insiders reveal an escalating power struggle that could redraw the county’s political map.
Governor Wamatangi, now mid-way through his first term, recently came under the spotlight after an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raid at his home unearthed Sh13.7 million in cash — Sh12 million in Kenyan currency and an additional $13,000 in dollars.
Wamatangi, brushing off the incident as politically motivated harassment, suggested the raid was orchestrated by political enemies seeking to destabilize his administration.
“It’s pure political intimidation,” he said, addressing reporters at the EACC offices. “Why else would they send over 50 officers to my home and raid my ministers’ offices too? They want to derail a government that’s delivering results.”
Earlier this year, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa had called for investigations into the county’s controversial decision to abandon an automated revenue collection system, claiming it opened loopholes that allegedly led to the loss of Ksh390 million through ghost worker payments.
Ichung’wah, a fierce critic of Wamatangi’s style of leadership, has been vocal about allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the county.
According to political sources, the relationship between the two leaders has been strained for some time, complicated further by Ichung’wah’s close alliances with leaders like Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a and former Kiambu governor William Kabogo.
During a development tour with President William Ruto last year, Ichung’wah hinted at his frustrations with Wamatangi, warning that continued political battles and sidelining of other leaders could backfire.
“If the governor continues antagonizing elected leaders, we shall not hesitate to support an alternative candidate in 2027,” Ichung’wah said.
Within the County Assembly, the rivalry is already breeding visible divisions.
Majority Leader Godfrey Waiyaki Mucheke, a staunch Wamatangi supporter, described his recent arrest as part of a broader political witch hunt against the governor’s administration.
“Ichung’wah’s camp already has a candidate for 2027. They should allow Wamatangi to deliver his mandate instead of sabotaging him,” Mucheke said.
Other leaders, like Githiga Ward MCA Ruth Waithira, defended the governor’s record, highlighting ongoing development projects and calling for an end to political distractions.
“There’s tangible work on the ground. Politics should not overshadow progress,” she stated.
However, allies of Ichung’wah paint a different picture. Kikuyu MCA Kamau James Boro accused the governor of mismanagement, saying the concerns raised about stalled projects and questionable tendering processes are legitimate.
“Wamatangi has clashed with nearly every key leader in Kiambu. This isn’t just politics — these are real issues,” Boro said.
He also warned that if corruption allegations are proven, the County Assembly would consider launching an impeachment motion.
Kiamwangi Ward MCA Kungu Smart echoed these sentiments, citing delayed projects such as the Ng’enda Health Centre upgrade and stalled infrastructure initiatives like the Muchang’ara Bridge.
In a recent County Assembly sitting, Nyanduma MCA Beth Wanjiku made an emotional appeal to the governor, recounting an incident where mourners had to carry a coffin on foot due to impassable roads in her ward.
“We have pleaded enough. Our roads are pathetic. Even tea factories are now fixing them on their own,” Wanjiku lamented.
Political observers warn that the growing cracks could fracture Kiambu’s political unity, especially within the ruling UDA Party, where both Wamatangi and Ichung’wah hold considerable influence.
Charles Mwangi, a political analyst and lecturer at JKUAT, noted that Wamatangi could ride on the narrative of political persecution to shore up support.
“However, the fight is deeper — it’s about who controls Kiambu and who dictates the UDA’s future direction,” he said.
The 2027 race is already taking shape, with heavyweights such as former Governor William Kabogo, ex-Thika MP Patrick Wainaina “Jungle,” Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a reportedly eyeing the seat.
At a recent function in Kiambaa attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Ichung’wah, Governor Wamatangi was conspicuously absent.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, seizing the moment, officially declared her interest in the Kiambu gubernatorial seat.
“I’ve joined these leaders today because I’m seeking higher office. I ask for your support,” she told the crowd.
Ng’ang’a, a vocal critic of Wamatangi, has often cited findings from the Auditor General’s report to accuse his administration of misappropriation.
The political tension was palpable last year when chaos broke out during a meeting in Thika, forcing security officers to whisk away Ng’ang’a and Ichung’wah after they accused Wamatangi’s government of attempting to hijack a national project.
Meanwhile, some leaders, like Ndumberi MCA David Chogi, have called for calm, urging their colleagues to shelve their political ambitions until 2027.
“Let’s put our differences aside. Elections will come and go. For now, let’s prioritize serving the people,” Chogi said.
