Postal Corporation Petitions EACC to Probe Kiambu Governor and Chief Officer Over Land Dispute Amid Extortion Claims

The Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) has petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Chief Officer Njenga for alleged abuse of office in a contentious property dispute over a prime plot in Kiambu town.

The move comes as Wamatangi faces separate accusations of attempting to extort KES 4.3 billion (USD 33 million) in land from Tatu City investors, amplifying concerns over governance and integrity in Kiambu County.

The governor has since refuted the claims.

The PCK dispute centers on a one-and-a-half-acre parcel hosting the Kiambu Post Office, claimed by both the corporation and the county government.

PCK asserts legal ownership, backed by title documents and a recent joint boundary survey with county officials, while Wamatangi insists the land belongs to the county, leased to PCK for 99 years with about 30 years remaining.

He claims traders were allocated space in 2018 when PCK was not using it—a narrative PCK rejects, citing its non-devolved status and outright ownership.

The corporation accuses Wamatangi and Njenga, likely a key figure in county land management, of leveraging their positions to facilitate encroachment, prompting the EACC probe.

In a public notice dated March 18, 2025, Postmaster General John Tunoi decried widespread encroachment on PCK properties nationwide, spotlighting Kiambu as a critical case.

“The management of Postal Corporation of Kenya has noted with great concern the illegal encroachment of PCK properties by private developers and trespassers,” Tunoi stated, noting reports to the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and EACC.

The dispute escalated after traders’ structures on the land were demolished, with Wamatangi defending county plans to build kiosks and alleging a compensation deal—denied by PCK—for the supposed lease term.

PCK’s efforts to secure the property have been thwarted by police inaction.

On March 17, Tunoi sought Wamatangi’s cooperation post-survey, planning to fence the land the next day, but police support requested from the Kiambu sub-county commander never materialized.

Earlier appeals to Inspector General Douglas Kanja and a trespass case (OB Number 51/17/03/2025) filed by PCK’s Mr. Njoroge were similarly stalled, with sources hinting at political interference.

A 2018 court order restraining Kiambu County from interfering with PCK land in Thika remains unenforced, further fueling the corporation’s push for EACC intervention.

Tatu City alleged extortion

Concurrently, Wamatangi’s involvement in land-related fraud allegations has a long history, which was further exacerbated by the explosive July 2024 allegations from Tatu City, a Special Economic Zone developed by Rendeavour.

The investor accused the governor and his advisor of attempting to extort over 40 acres of land, valued at KES 4.3 billion, by delaying approval of Tatu City’s new Master Plan for over 18 months.

Tatu City, a significant foreign investor in Kenya, condemned Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi and his advisor for attempting to extort KES 4.3 billion (USD 33 million) in land.

Preston Mendenhall, Rendeavour’s Chief Operating Officer, condemned Wamatangi at a Nairobi press conference, alleging the governor demanded free land—including for his residence—in exchange for approval.

“It’s time to blow the whistle on Governor Wamatangi’s attempted extortion,” Mendenhall said, estimating the delay cost KES 16 billion in investment and 4,500 jobs.

Tatu City presented a letter dated April 16, 2024, from County Executive Committee Member Salome Wainaina, demanding the “surrender” of land despite no legal basis under Kenyan law, which requires compensation for compulsory acquisition.

The Master Plan, setting aside 103 acres for public use, followed a rigorous approval process, yet Wamatangi and Wainaina allegedly blocked it despite compliance.

Tatu City, hosting 20,000 jobs and KES 385 billion in investments, urged the governor to cease interference.

The dual controversies paint a troubling picture of Wamatangi’s administration, with PCK and Tatu City accusing him of exploiting his office for personal or county gain.

In the latest scandal, neither Wamatangi nor Njenga has responded publicly to the EACC petition.

The investigations could have far-reaching implications for Kiambu’s leadership and Kenya’s investment climate, spotlighting tensions between national entities, county governance, and private stakeholders.

For now, the EACC holds the key to unraveling these high-stakes allegations.