Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has formally challenged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) ongoing investigations into alleged Senate tender meetings, arguing that the probe violates his constitutional rights.
Appearing before High Court Judge Rose Ougo, Wamatangi, through his lawyer Jotham Arwa, contended that the allegations stem from claims he chaired Senate sessions where tenders were purportedly discussed and awarded to companies linked to him during his time as a senator.
However, the governor's legal team highlighted that the Senate has officially stated that such meetings never took place, questioning the legitimacy of EACC's investigation without prior verification.
Arwa argued, "How can EACC institute investigations in connection with alleged meetings of the Senate even without finding out from the Senate whether such meetings took place?" He further maintained that initiating investigations without credible information infringes on Wamatangi's right to fair administrative action under Article 47 of the Constitution, as the commission proceeded without allowing him to respond to the allegations.
The EACC, represented by lawyer Roselyne Murugi, opposed the application to involve the Senate in the case, asserting that the question of whether the meetings occurred is an evidentiary issue best resolved during trial. She cautioned that including the Senate as a party could delay the petition, whose pleadings closed in November 2025.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) also resisted the move, warning that the Senate’s involvement might turn the constitutional petition into an investigative forum, potentially disrupting EACC’s mandate.
Judge Ougo is expected to rule on whether the Senate will be joined as an interested party in the proceedings.
