Karungo wa Thang’wa criticises Nyayo demolitions as excessive and intimidatory
By Cy Muganda, January 14, 2026Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has sharply criticised the demolition of properties along Douglas Wakiiuri Road, formerly Aerodrome Road, next to Nyayo National Stadium, describing the exercise as excessive, intimidatory and driven by political ego rather than sound governance.
In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Karungo reacted to the demolitions being carried out to pave way for new railway infrastructure by Kenya Railways, which have seen several properties brought down, including some linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
The outspoken senator accused the government of turning governance into a display of raw power, arguing that the manner in which the demolitions were conducted went beyond what was necessary.
“The Kasongo (Ruto) regime, clearly out of ideas, has reduced governance to a manhood measuring contest,” Karungo stated.
Unnecessary destruction
The senator questioned the rationale behind the demolitions, suggesting they went beyond what was necessary for the infrastructure project.
“Even if you must evict someone by force, why go the extra mile and destroy property?” he stated.
Karungo further accused the government of deliberate intimidation, claiming that close allies of President William Ruto were sent to personally supervise the demolitions.
“And just to really drive the point home, to avoid any confusion, Kasongo thoughtfully sends his closest allies to supervise the destruction in person, because intimidation works best when it is proudly owned,” he said.
The Kiambu senator expressed sympathy with those affected by the demolitions, singling out Governor Wamatangi and other business owners who, he said, suffered heavy losses.
“Sorry Governor Wamatangi and all others whose businesses and property worth millions were sacrificed on the altar of political ego,” he concluded.
Wamatangi speaks out
Speaking on the demolitions, 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.