The leadership of Wavinya Ndeti in Machakos County has come under pressure, with allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement casting a shadow over her administration.
Whistleblower Nelson Amenya, known for exposing international corporate scandals, has reportedly directed his investigative lens toward Machakos, raising serious concerns about governance under Ndeti’s regime.
One of the primary issues highlighted is the bloated county government structure.
Wavinya Ndeti has been criticized for appointing 33 Chief Officers, a number significantly higher than counties with similar or better financial standing.
Each officer earns an average monthly salary of Ksh. 205,870, excluding allowances, costing the county approximately Ksh. 6.7 million per month.
Over her five-year term, these appointments are projected to drain nearly half a billion shillings. This expenditure, critics argue, reflects poor prioritization in a county grappling with severe infrastructure and resource deficits.
Further financial discrepancies have emerged in audit reports.
A Senate investigation revealed the lack of documentation for payments totaling over Ksh. 67 million, with auditors unable to verify expenditures due to missing vouchers.
Additional misclassified donor funds and questionable procurement practices suggest systemic financial mismanagement.
These unresolved audit queries have fueled accusations of deliberate inefficiency and possible embezzlement within Ndeti’s administration.
Amenya’s revelations also point to broader governance concerns, including allegations of nepotism and rewarding political allies with lucrative contracts.
Reports indicate that some individuals connected to Ndeti have received salaries without performing any duties, further straining the county’s already limited resources.
Observers have contrasted her tenure with that of her predecessor, Alfred Mutua, who managed to deliver substantial development projects with fewer personnel.
The accusations against Wavinya Ndeti not only damage her reputation but also raise critical questions about accountability in Machakos County.
Residents and stakeholders are calling for immediate reforms to ensure public funds are utilized effectively to address the county’s pressing needs.
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