Religious leaders gathered at the ruins of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s property near Nyayo Stadium, engaging in prayers and speaking in tongues.

In videos shared widely on social media, the preachers were seen standing next to the rubble, casting out spirits from the ruins of what was once a business complex.

Forming a loose circle amidst the rubble, some pressed Bibles to their chests while others lifted hands toward the sky.

There were no microphones, no podiums, only voices rising, one after another, in tongues.

The dramatic spiritual gathering followed an overnight demolition that saw Wamatangi’s car bazaar, car wash, restaurant and associated facilities flattened by heavy machinery under the supervision of armed police officers.

Bulldozers reduced the once-bustling yard to rubble, crushing high-end vehicles, sports cars and rare models beneath tons of debris while traders stood in stunned disbelief at the extent of the destruction.

The clearance, overseen by officers supporting a land repossession exercise by Kenya Railways, left sections of Douglas Wakiihuri Road blocked and disrupted movement in the Nairobi West area as business owners counted losses running into millions of shillings.

Wamatangi’s company had sought legal protection days earlier, arguing in court that the land had been leased to him for over 20 years and that officials issued only verbal threats of demolition, a claim that has sparked outrage among residents and employees suddenly without work.

Witnesses recounted tight security during the demolitions, with some saying police fired shots into the air to disperse crowds and that few formal notices were served ahead of the raid.

Online, netizens reacted in earnest, some sympathising with the Kiambu Governor.

Prince Raphael on Facebook remarked, “The dance of a mad man is only funny when he is not your relative.”

Another, Cap Tohn noted, “In context, it’s clear. Demolitions rarely happen overnight without prior notices. Sometimes withheld information matters.” 

Wamatangi, in his remarks after visiting the site, said he leaves all matters to God. 

“This is a huge loss, but I trust God. They have done this to me, but I still have hands and brains. Kenyans have seen my works, and as per now I won’t engage in political games,” Wamatangi said.