Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has firmly denied extortion allegations made against him by Tatu City investors, demanding an immediate public apology.
During a press briefing on Thursday, July 11, Wamatangi addressed claims that he sought a parcel of land in the expansive Kiambu Estate for a private residence. He clarified that the county government was pursuing land for public amenities, including an official residence for the governor, in accordance with the law mandating private developers to allocate 10% of their land for public use.
Governor Wamatangi emphasized that the proposed official residence would be county property and not for personal use.
Kiambu Gov Hon Kimani WamatangiÂ
He explained that this initiative aligns with a directive from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) aimed at providing residences for public officers to save on housing allowances. “I have a private house. I do not need another one,” Wamatangi asserted, denouncing the allegations as politically motivated.
The governor detailed that tensions arose when Tatu City investors reduced the land designated for public utilities from 406 acres to 103 acres, which was still below the required 10% of their 5,000 acres.
“Since its formation 14 years ago, Tatu City has not surrendered even an inch to the county government as required by law,” Wamatangi stated. He argued that these accusations aimed to tarnish his reputation and announced his intention to seek legal redress.
Tatu City officials had accused Wamatangi of withholding approval for their new Master Plan for over a year and a half, allegedly demanding over 40 acres of land, including for his residence. They claimed this delay cost the county and country Ksh 16 billion in investment value and 4,500 new jobs.
Governor Wamatangi refuted these claims and called for a public apology, maintaining that the land sought was for lawful public use and not personal gain.
