They fired in darkness! Wamatangi questions use of live bullets during demolition

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has condemned the use of live bullets during an operation that saw his properties along Douglas Wakiihuri Road off Lang’ata Road in Nairobi demolished.

Speaking from the scene, the governor expressed alarm over the aggressive nature of the exercise, saying he had been warned for five consecutive days prior to the demolition.

“They fired live bullets when they came for demolition. There was one Sunday I complained about bullets being fired at my home. Yesterday I said I would not come,” Wamatangi said.

He questioned whether the bullets were meant to target him, noting, “My question is, were the bullets supposed to be aimed at me? They fired in darkness,” he claimed.

Wamatangi lamented the destruction of an area he had built over approximately 40 years, recounting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent businessman.

“I want people to know that I started work here in 1994 when I was a young boy. I used to sell tea and mandazi on the other side then I moved here and started washing cars. After time, I stopped washing cars and instead started selling cars. Then I got into the transport business, I went to Kenya Railways and got a lease and I pay every month,” he explained.

He described the demolition as politically motivated, questioning when such political persecution would end.

“I have employed so many youth in all those years. There are a lot of businessmen here. I want to say I am very sorry for them for what has happened. They trusted me and set up small businesses here — Mpesa shops, small hotels, barber shops — all have been brought down,” Wamatangi said.

The demolition has also drawn criticism from the Kiambu Clergy Pastors Forum.

Speaking at the scene, General Secretary Prince Eliud said members of the clergy were deeply disturbed by the exercise, noting its devastating impact on livelihoods at a time when many Kenyans are struggling economically.

“We are very disappointed because what has been destroyed is people’s property. People in Kenya are crying every day. They do not have homes, they are jobless and businesses are not doing well,” Eliud said.

He added that the premises demolished had supported many families over the years. “What has been destroyed is a business which people depended on for a living. Where will they go now? Our children are going back to school, and this business was the source of living for those who worked here,” he said.

The clergy forum condemned the demolition, saying it contradicted the spirit of national prayers and the pursuit of unity.