Kenya Railways has clarified the reason behind the demolition of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s property in Nairobi. A business establishment owned by Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi was demolished to pave the way for a new railway line. Photo: Kimani Wamatangi. Source: Twitter In an official statement Wednesday evening, January 14, the agency said the land on which the Kiambu governor’s property sat is part of a larger stretch where a railway line will be put up. Why Kimani Wamatangi’s property was demolished According to Kenya Railways, a line is set to be constructed in readiness for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Owing to the prominence of the tournament and in anticipation of traffic, a railway line was necessary to ease movements. To achieve this, the government plans to build a railway station next to Nyayo National Stadium and extend a spur line from Nairobi Central Station, passing through the stadium area and Kibera, all the way to Talanta Sports City Stadium. According to Kenya Railways, the new line is expected to provide commuters with a safe, reliable, and affordable transport option, ensuring smoother movement across the route. In Kenya, the matches are scheduled to take place at Nyayo National Stadium, Talanta Sports City Stadium, and Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
Nyayo National Stadium has been designated as a training venue for the tournament due to its central location. With the foregoing, the land stretching along Nyayo Stadium would be freed for the purpose of railway line construction. Wamatangi’s property would therefore not be spared. However, Kenya Railways stated that all the developers on the said land were served with notices to vacate. To this end, all encroachers were advised and issued with notices in good time to vacate the railway corridor to pave way for construction of the station and spur line. Kenya Railways is in the process of evicting all encroachers as we repossess all the land that has been identified for the above mentioned development. The agency insisted that demolitions would go on to flatten properties illegally put up there. “Therefore, take note that any illegal structures/property found on the corridor will be demolished and/or removed without further notice and at the encroacher’s risk and cost,” the agency added. What Kimani Wamatangi said after his property was demolished Earlier, the Kiambu governor had blamed his losses on his unnamed political detractors. He questioned what wrong he might have committed to warrant such treatment. The county boss alleged that the demolition was orchestrated by individuals exploiting state power to harass and intimidate him, adding that some of those involved were after his life.
And despite Kenya Railways’ claim of prior notice, Wamatangi pointed out that none was served before the demolition. Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi addressing the press after his property was demolished near Nyayo Stadium. Photo: Kimani Wamatangi. Source: Twitter He lamented that the persecution against him had gone on for years, saying he had been politically terrorised both at work and at home by people misusing state authority. The governor said he had been leasing the property since 1994 and had paid dues from then to date without fail. He maintained that the tenancy was valid and that he had operated there lawfully for decades. He described the demolition as a cowardly act intended to obstruct his work as governor but insisted it would not weaken his resolve. According to him, bulldozers, accompanied by heavily armed police officers, raided the premises despite an existing court order.
By Kai Eli
