Kiambu Governor Paul Kimani Njoroge, popularly known as Kimani Wamatangi, is at the center of a shocking scandal after investigative reports reveal he faked his death in 2008 to escape fraud charges in the United Kingdom. The revelations come just days after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested him over a Sh1.5 billion corruption scandal, further tarnishing his once-celebrated political image.
From Philanthropist to Fugitive
Wamatangi rose to prominence as a philanthropist, earning his nickname after donating over 17,000 water tanks to widows and orphans before joining politics. His generosity propelled him into the Senate and later the Kiambu Governor’s seat with ease. However, new evidence suggests his charitable acts were funded by proceeds of crime linked to an international car theft syndicate.
The UK Fraud Scheme & Faked Death
Before the 2022 General Elections, British investigators sought Wamatangi’s deportation over a multi-billion fraud scheme involving stolen luxury vehicles from Luton, Cheshire, and London between 2009 and 2012. Court documents from the Luton Crown Court reveal that Wamatangi, the alleged ringleader, fled the UK using multiple aliases to evade capture.
In a stunning twist, investigators discovered that Wamatangi faked his death in October 2008. A death announcement was placed in The Nation and The Standard, complete with a fabricated burial site in Limuru. Interpol, acting on the obituary, closed his case after his sister presented a gravesite marked with his alias, Paul Kimani.
A postmortem report filed in the UK claimed he died of a heart attack caused by tuberculosis (TB). However, in May 2021, an informant alerted Interpol that Wamatangi was alive, had changed his name, and was vying for governor. The whistleblower confirmed the grave was empty and that Wamatangi had no permanent residence, living instead in high-end hotels to avoid detection.
EACC Arrest & Sh1.5 Billion Scandal
The Governor’s past caught up with him on April 15, when EACC officers raided his homes and offices, recovering Sh12 million and $13,000 in cash suspected to be proceeds of corruption. He is under investigation for fraudulent procurement deals, including a Sh230 million contract awarded to Filtronic International Limited.
This is not his first brush with graft allegations. In 2024, Tatu City’s Chief Operating Officer, Preston Mendenhall, accused Wamatangi of extortion, alleging the Governor demanded 40 acres of land and millions in bribes to approve the city’s master plan.
Why Wamatangi Rarely Travels Abroad
Despite being a sitting governor, Wamatangi is the least-travelling county chief, with records showing he avoids trips outside East Africa. Sources indicate this is due to fears of Interpol arrest, as he lacks immunity beyond the East African Community (EAC) jurisdiction.
Legal Dead End in the UK
When contacted, Denise Dodson, a clerk at Luton Crown Court, stated there was no active case file on Wamatangi, likely because British authorities presumed him dead. However, Kenyan investigators believe the fraud case could be reopened given the new evidence.
Public Outcry & Calls for Resignation
The revelations have sparked outrage, with activists and opposition leaders demanding Wamatangi’s immediate resignation and prosecution. “This man is a con artist who faked his death to evade justice. How can he lead Kiambu?” posed one activist.
As pressure mounts, Wamatangi’s political future hangs in the balance, with EACC and DCI probes expected to uncover more skeletons in his closet.
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