Gachagua vows to protect Kimani Wamatangi after property demolition
By Cy Muganda, February 7, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to protect Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi following the demolition of his business property along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, accusing President William Ruto of orchestrating the destruction.
Speaking during a dowry presentation ceremony in Kiganjo, Gatundu South Constituency, Kiambu County, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Gachagua expressed unwavering support for the embattled governor.
“Kimani Wamatangi is our child, and we will not allow him to be harassed while we are here,” he said.
Gachagua claimed that Kiambu legislators threatened to abandon Ruto unless he authorised the demolition of Wamatangi’s property.
“I want to condemn what happened at Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s business. You know those Kiambu MPs went to Ruto and threatened that they would leave him if he didn’t agree to destroy Kimani Wamatangi’s property. They sent police and bulldozers and demolished Wamatangi’s property and destroyed vehicles. They fought with vehicles as if the vehicles had wronged someone and destroyed that property,” Gachagua stated.
“And if Kimani Wamatangi has made any mistakes, let us be told what mistakes. And if there is something Kimani Wamatangi has eaten that belongs to you, William Ruto, tell us, we will contribute money and return it to you,” he added.
Commitment to Mt Kenya leaders
The former Deputy President pledged a strong commitment to defend leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
“And let me say, I will not allow Wamatangi to be harassed. I will not allow anyone from this mountain to be harassed. We must stand with dignity and the rights of every Kenyan and every person from this area,” he declared.
Wamatangi speaks out
Speaking on the demolitions on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Governor Wamatangi linked the heavy losses to politics after his carpet cleaning and carwash business was brought down in the overnight exercise.
“God does not discriminate, and He knows everyone’s path, and He is the one who gives blessings. I started working here in 1994 as a young man. I used to sell mandazi and tea on the other side. I came here and started washing cars. After washing cars, I climbed the ladder a bit and started selling those cars,” Wamatangi said.
The Kiambu County boss further revealed that he has been operating in the same area for decades without disturbance while paying lease fees to the Kenya Railways.
“I have sustained myself here since I was young, and when I came here, I went all the way to the Railways people and took a 25-year lease. I pay every month. These things that have happened today are political schemes. I’m asking myself, when will these political persecutions end for me? I have employed many young people for all those years. I am sorry to small-scale traders who have incurred losses,” he added.