Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has claimed his life is in danger after a live bullet struck near his home in Kibiku village, Kabete, on Sunday afternoon.
The projectile reportedly pierced a neighbour’s roof and landed in a children’s bedroom just 50 meters from the governor's residence, moments after he had returned from his farm.
Witnesses believed the shot may have been deliberately aimed toward the governor's home, prompting calls for the government to reinforce his security immediately.
“The only person who could be targeted, according to the direction the bullet came from, is our governor. We request the government to beef up his security,” one resident said.
Wamatangi said the bullet appeared to have been fired from a powerful weapon, possibly an AK-47, from about 200 meters away. He urged police to investigate the shooter, the location, and the motive.
“We need to know who shot, where he was, and the motive. The bullet is here, and it can be investigated,” he told journalists.
He said they were awaiting results from ballistic experts, as police had not yet released an official report.
The neighbour whose roof was reportedly pierced, Margaret Njeri, recounted the terrifying moment. She initially thought a stone had hit her house, only to discover a bullet later while cleaning.
Njeri reported the incident at the Kibiku Police Station on Monday and also notified officers attached to the governor’s residence. Police investigations are ongoing.
The shooting incident follows a challenging political environment for Wamatangi, who had previously claimed he was facing continuous threats and political intimidation.
Sources close to the governor claimed he recently received threats from some Kiambu leaders, adding to concerns as police continue their investigations.
Wamatangi had repeatedly alleged that he was receiving numerous threats from powerful cartels within the county government, who were previously enriching themselves with public funds.
He also faced multiple threats of impeachment by a faction of the Kiambu Members of County Assembly (MCAs) over various issues, which he and his supporters have often described as politically motivated and orchestrated by his rivals.
In April 2025, his private residence and county offices were raided by over 50 heavily armed officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in an operation, and he was questioned regarding alleged corruption and procurement irregularities. He subsequently described this incident as a "purely political intimidation" and a "witch-hunt".
EACC also filed a civil suit against him and others to recover over Ksh 813 million in an alleged tender scandal that occurred during his time as a Senator.
Wamatangi also consistently faced a challenging political environment, with a faction of local MPs working against his administration, which he viewed as part of a sustained effort to undermine his governance and influence.
