Govt Night Demolitions Hit Properties Worth Millions Including Kiambu Governor

Businesses linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi along Douglas Wakiihiru Road, off Langata Road, behind Nyayo Stadium, were demolished Tuesday night, January 13, marking the second such demolition at the site.

Accompanied by heavily armed police officers, excavators and bulldozers moved into the Governor’s business premises, bringing down two semi-permanent buildings and damaging other property, including vehicles.

Among the structures destroyed were a car wash facility and a restaurant that had been operating along the stretch.

The demolition also blocked the road, disrupting movement in the area.

By Wednesday morning, debris and damaged structures were still visible, with affected business owners assessing their losses.

Governor Moves to Court Over Demolition

Through his company, Super Clean Shine Enterprises, Wamatangi has moved to court, citing “verbal threats” to demolish the site.

In a petition filed at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates’ Court, he claims the property belongs to Kenya Railways and has been leased to him for over 20 years.

“Throughout this period, the Applicant has duly paid rent which has been consistently received and acknowledged by the 1st Respondent,” the petition states.

It adds that this confirms “a valid and subsisting tenancy” under which the business has operated on the premises with the knowledge of Kenya Railways Corporation.

The Governor claims that on or about December 17, 2025, officers acting on behalf of Kenya Railways visited the premises and issued verbal threats of eviction and demolition.

“They verbally threatened to evict the Applicant from the suit property and demolish the structures and developments erected thereon by December 22, 2025, or at any time before or thereafter,” the court papers state.

According to the petition, the threats were made without any written eviction notice or compliance with the procedures outlined under the Land Act.

“The actions and threats of the 1st Respondent violate the Applicant’s rights to property and to fair administrative action as guaranteed under Articles 40 and 47 of the Constitution,” the petition argues, adding that the move is “in contravention of the mandatory procedural requirements under the Land Act.”

Wamatangi was seeking court orders to stop the planned demolition.

The matter was scheduled for a hearing yesterday at the Milimani Commercial Court.

Also Read: Kenya Responds After Trump Extends AGOA Trade Benefits

Previous Demolitions and Land Dispute

Wamatangi’s car bazaar and car wash premises were first demolished in 2019, with authorities alleging the land had been grabbed.

Speaking at the time during an interview on NTV,  Wamatangi condemned the demolitions, insisting he was wrongly targeted.

“I know I am not above the law. That is land that was leased to me. We have been there for 20 years,” he said, adding he had never received a notice ordering him to vacate.

Governor Wamatangi is set to issue a briefing regarding the demolition and ongoing dispute.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

The image shows a yard demolished with remains of cars on the ground
PHOTO/GK/X