Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is counting massive losses after a midnight operation saw excavators and bulldozers, backed by heavily armed police officers, descend on his business premises along Douglas Wakiihuri Road off Lang’ata Road and flatten two semi-permanent structures, along with vehicles and other property at the site.
Among the structures brought down were cars parked in a yard, a car wash facility, and a restaurant that had been operating along the stretch. Heavy machinery is reported to have been used in the overnight operation.
Businesses along Douglas Wakihuri road behind Nyayo Stadium demolished overnight under heavy police presence. Cars parked at the premises were also destroyed./HANDOUTThe demolition has also thrown dozens of youths who depended on the facility for work into uncertainty. Mechanics, carpet cleaners, car washers, and various shop attendants who operated from the premises have been left without a source of income following the raid.
The incident came shortly after Governor Wamatangi, through his company, moved to court seeking protection from what he termed as verbal threats of demolition.
In a petition filed before the Milimani Commercial Magistrates’ Court, he stated that the property sits on Kenya Railways land, which he has leased for more than two decades.
“Throughout this period, the Applicant has duly paid rent which has been consistently received and/or acknowledged by the 1st Respondent (Kenya Railways Corporation), thereby affirming a valid and subsisting tenancy under which the Applicant has established and continuously operated a business on the premises with the knowledge and acquiescence of the 1st Respondent,” the petition adds.
Businesses along Douglas Wakihuri road behind Nyayo Stadium demolished overnight under heavy police presence. Cars parked at the premises were also destroyed./HANDOUTHe told the court that rent had been paid consistently during that period and acknowledged by Kenya Railways Corporation, arguing that this affirmed a legitimate and ongoing tenancy under which he had lawfully operated his business.
According to the court documents, the governor claimed that on December 17, 2025, individuals said to be acting on behalf of Kenya Railways visited the premises and allegedly issued verbal threats to evict him and demolish the developments on the land by December 22, 2025, or anytime thereafter, without issuing a formal eviction notice.
Heavy police presence as businesses along Douglas Wakihuri road behind Nyayo Stadium demolished overnight /HANDOUT
Heavy police presence as businesses along Douglas Wakihuri road behind Nyayo Stadium demolished overnight /HANDOUTThe petition argues that the alleged actions violated his constitutional rights to property and fair administrative action while also disregarding provisions under the Land Act that outline proper eviction procedures.
Wamatangi was seeking court orders to stop any planned demolition or eviction.
The matter had been scheduled for hearing at the Milimani Commercial Court on Monday, January 12, 2025.
Businesses along Douglas Wakihuri road behind Nyayo Stadium demolished overnight under heavy police presence. Cars parked at the premises were also destroyed. /HANDOUT
The road has also been blocked, disrupting movement in the area. By morning, debris and demolished structures were still visible, with affected business owners counting losses.
by CYRUS OMBATI
